Hinge module including detent structure and foldable electronic device including the hinge module

ABSTRACT

A foldable electronic device includes a foldable housing including a hinge structure, a first housing structure, a second housing structure, and a hinge housing, a flexible display, and a first detent structure. The first detent structure includes a first member connected to the first housing structure, a second member connected with the second housing structure, a first ball and a second ball disposed in the first member, and an elastic member that is located in the first member between the first ball and the second ball and that presses the first ball and the second ball outward.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119to Korean Patent Application Nos. 10-2019-0019560 and No.10-2019-0062226, which were filed in the Korean Intellectual PropertyOffice on Feb. 19, 2019, and May 28, 2019, respectively, the entiredisclosure of each of which is incorporated by herein reference.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

The disclosure relates generally to a foldable electronic device.

2. Description of Related Art

A portable electronic device, such as a smartphone, may provide variousfunctions, such as a telephone call, video playback, or Internetsearching, based on various types of applications. A user may want touse the aforementioned functions through a wider screen. However,portability may be inhibited with an increase in screen size.Accordingly, a foldable electronic device capable of increasingportability has been developed.

In the foldable electronic device, a hinge structure may be connectedwith housing structures adjacent thereto, and when the housingstructures rotate through (i.e., more than) a predetermined angle, thehinge structure may perform a rotary motion while supporting the housingstructures. When a plurality of hinge structures, including a pluralityof gears, are applied to support hinge motions of the housingstructures, the hinge motions of the housing structures may be unnaturaland unpleasant for a user of the foldable electronic device. In thisregard, it may be advantageous to reduce the number of hinge structureswithout weakening the collective force provided by the hinge structures.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure has been made to address the above-mentionedproblems and disadvantages, and to provide at least the advantagesdescribed below.

An aspect of the disclosure is to provide a hinge module including adetent structure and various types of hinge structures to stably supporthinge motions of housing structures, and a foldable electronic deviceincluding the hinge module.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to provide a hinge module includinga detent structure for allowing a foldable electronic device to maintaina specified angle depending on hinge motions of housing structures andto provide a feeling of detent to a user to allow the user to clearlyrecognize the hinge motions.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to provide a foldable electronicdevice including the hinge module.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device isprovided, which includes a foldable housing including a hinge structure,a first housing structure that is connected to the hinge structure andincludes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the firstsurface, a second housing structure that is connected to the hingestructure and includes a third surface and a fourth surface opposite tothe third surface, and a hinge housing, in which the first housingstructure is foldable about the hinge structure with the second housingstructure, the first surface faces the third surface in a folded state,and the first surface and the third surface face the same direction inan unfolded state. Between the folded state and the unfolded state, thefirst housing structure is rotatable about a first axis extending alongthe hinge structure and the second housing structure is rotatable abouta second axis parallel to the first axis. The electronic device furtherincludes a flexible display including a first area disposed on the firsthousing structure and a second area disposed on the second housingstructure, in which the first area and the second area form the firstsurface and the third surface. In addition, the electronic devicefurther includes a first detent structure disposed in the hinge housing,the first detent structure including a first member that is connected tothe first housing structure and includes a first through-hole and asecond through-hole that are aligned along a third axis that is spacedapart from and parallel to the first axis and the second axis, a secondmember that is connected with the second housing structure and formed toreceive part of the first member in the unfolded state and includes afirst recess or a first opening that faces the first through-hole and asecond recess or a second opening that faces the second through-hole, afirst ball coupled with the first through-hole and disposed between thefirst through-hole and the first recess or the first opening in theunfolded state, a second ball coupled with the second through-hole anddisposed between the second through-hole and the second recess or thesecond opening in the unfolded state, and a first elastic member that islocated in the first member between the first ball and the second balland that presses the first ball and the second ball outward.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a hinge module towhich a first housing structure and a second housing structure areconnected to perform a hinge motion is provided. The hinge moduleincludes a hinge housing and a first detent structure mounted in thehinge housing. The first detent structure includes a first platecoupling part connected with the first housing structure and a secondplate coupling part connected with the second housing structure. Thefirst plate coupling part includes a first coupling body and supportportions that are connected with the first coupling body, spaced apartfrom each other by a predetermined distance, and have mounting areasformed in predetermined positions. The second plate coupling partincludes a second coupling body, a mounting body connected to the secondcoupling body, fixing holes formed on opposite sides of the mountingbody, mounting parts mounted in the fixing holes, and an elastic memberthat is mounted in the mounting body and presses the mounting partstoward the mounting areas when the first housing structure and thesecond housing structure are in an unfolded state.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a hinge module towhich a first housing structure and a second housing structure areconnected to perform a hinge motion is provided. The hinge moduleincludes a hinge housing, a plurality of detent structures that aremounted in the hinge housing and provide a feeling of detent to a userin a specified angle range in the hinge motion of the first housingstructure and the second housing structure, a first hinge structure anda second hinge structure mounted in the hinge housing and drivenindependently of each other, each of the first hinge structure and thesecond hinge structure being independently connected with the firsthousing structure and the second housing structure, and a third hingestructure that is mounted in the hinge housing and is connected with thefirst housing structure and the second housing structure and includes aninterlocking gear.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of certainembodiments of the disclosure will be more apparent from the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1A is a view illustrating the front exterior of a foldableelectronic device in a first state, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 1B is a view illustrating the rear exterior of the foldableelectronic device in the first state, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 1C is a view illustrating an example of the exterior of thefoldable electronic device in a second state, according to anembodiment;

FIG. 1D is a view illustrating an example of the exterior of thefoldable electronic device in the second state, according to anembodiment;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the foldable electronicdevice, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3A is a view illustrating a detent structure, according to anembodiment;

FIG. 3B is an exploded perspective view of the detent structure of FIG.3A, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4A is a view illustrating a detent structure forming a specifiedangle according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4B is a view illustrating a first plate the coupling part of FIG.4A, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5A is a view illustrating some components of the foldableelectronic device, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5B is a view illustrating a specified first area of FIG. 5A,according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5C is a sectional view taken along line A-A′ of FIG. 5B, accordingto an embodiment;

FIG. 5D is a sectional perspective view taken along line B-B′ of FIG.5C, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating arrangements of a plurality of detentstructures, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7A is a view illustrating first plate coupling parts, according toan embodiment;

FIG. 7B is a view illustrating states in which foldable electronicdevices form specified angles, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8A is a view illustrating a shock-absorbing structure of the detentstructure, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8B is a view illustrating an example of the shock-absorbingstructure of the detent structure, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8C is a view illustrating an example of the shock-absorbingstructure of the detent structure, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a flat state of the detent structure,according to an embodiment;

FIG. 10A is a sectional view illustrating an arrangement of the detentstructure in the foldable electronic device in the second state,according to an embodiment;

FIG. 10B is a sectional perspective view illustrating the arrangement ofthe detent structure in the foldable electronic device in the secondstate, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 11A is a sectional view illustrating an arrangement of the detentstructure in the foldable electronic device unfolded to a predeterminedangle, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 11B is a sectional perspective view illustrating the arrangement ofthe detent structure in the foldable electronic device unfolded to thepredetermined angle, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 12A is a sectional view illustrating an arrangement of the detentstructure in the foldable electronic device unfolded to a predeterminedangle, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 12B is a sectional perspective view illustrating the arrangement ofthe detent structure in the foldable electronic device unfolded to thepredetermined angle, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 13A is a sectional view illustrating an arrangement of the detentstructure in the foldable electronic device in the first state,according to an embodiment;

FIG. 13B is a sectional perspective view illustrating the arrangement ofthe detent structure in the foldable electronic device in the firststate, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a view illustrating a form of the detent structure, accordingto an embodiment;

FIG. 15A is a view illustrating a form of the detent structure,according to an embodiment;

FIG. 15B is a view illustrating a folded state of the detent structurewith respect to cutting line D-D′ of FIG. 15A, according to anembodiment;

FIG. 16A is an exploded perspective view of a third hinge structure ofthe foldable electronic device in the second state, according to anembodiment;

FIG. 16B is a sectional view illustrating an arrangement area of thethird hinge structure of the foldable electronic device in the firststate, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the third hinge structure taken alongline A-A′ of FIG. 16B, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of the third hinge structure taken alongline B-B′ of FIG. 16B, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a view illustrating a first hinge structure or a second hingestructure of the foldable electronic device, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 20A is a top view of the hinge structure of FIG. 19, according toan embodiment;

FIG. 20B is an exploded perspective view of the hinge structure of FIG.19, according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 20C is a sectional view illustrating a coupled state of the hingestructure and hinge plates of FIG. 19, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the disclosure may be described withreference to accompanying drawings. Accordingly, those of ordinary skillin the art will recognize that modifications, equivalents, and/oralternatives on the various embodiments described herein can bevariously made without departing from the scope and spirit of thedisclosure. With regard to description of drawings, similar componentsmay be marked by similar reference numerals.

In the disclosure, the expressions “have”, “may have”, “include” and“comprise”, or “may include” and “may comprise” used herein indicateexistence of corresponding features (e.g., components such as numericvalues, functions, operations, or parts) but do not exclude presence ofadditional features.

In the disclosure, the expressions “A or B”, “at least one of A or/andB”, or “one or more of A or/and B”, and the like may include any and allcombinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example,the term “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, or “at least one of A orB” may refer to all of the case (1) where at least one A is included,the case (2) where at least one B is included, or the case (3) whereboth of at least one A and at least one B are included.

The terms, such as “first”, “second”, and the like used in thedisclosure may be used to refer to various components regardless of theorder and/or the priority and to distinguish the relevant componentsfrom other components, but do not limit the components. For example, “afirst user device” and “a second user device” indicate different userdevices regardless of the order or priority. For example, withoutdeparting the scope of the disclosure, a first component may be referredto as a second component, and similarly, a second component may bereferred to as a first component.

It will be understood that when a component (e.g., a first component) isreferred to as being “(operatively or communicatively) coupled with/to”or “connected to” another component (e.g., a second component), it maybe directly coupled with/to or connected to the other component or anintervening component (e.g., a third component) may be present. Incontrast, when a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to asbeing “directly coupled with/to” or “directly connected to” anothercomponent (e.g., a second component), it should be understood that thereare no intervening component (e.g., a third component).

According to the situation, the expression “configured to” used in thedisclosure may be used as, for example, the expression “suitable for”,“having the capacity to”, “designed to”, “adapted to”, “made to”, or“capable of”. The term “configured to” must not mean only “specificallydesigned to” in hardware. Instead, the expression “a device configuredto” may mean that the device is “capable of” operating together withanother device or other parts. For example, a “processor configured to(or set to) perform A, B, and C” may mean a dedicated processor (e.g.,an embedded processor) for performing a corresponding operation or ageneric-purpose processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or anapplication processor) which performs corresponding operations byexecuting one or more software programs which are stored in a memorydevice.

Terms used in the disclosure are used to describe specified embodimentsand are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. The terms ofa singular form may include plural forms unless otherwise specified. Allthe terms used herein, which include technical or scientific terms, mayhave the same meaning that is generally understood by a person skilledin the art. It will be further understood that terms, which are definedin a dictionary and commonly used, should also be interpreted as iscustomary in the relevant related art and not in an idealized or overlyformal unless expressly so defined in various embodiments of thedisclosure. In some cases, even if terms are terms which are defined inthe disclosure, they may not be interpreted to exclude embodiments ofthe disclosure.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosuremay include at least one of, for example, smartphones, tablet personalcomputers (PCs), mobile phones, video telephones, electronic bookreaders, desktop PCs, laptop PCs, netbook computers, workstations,servers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players(PMPs), Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG-1 or MPEG-2) Audio Layer 3(MP3) players, mobile medical devices, cameras, or wearable devices.According to various embodiments, the wearable device may include atleast one of an accessory type (e.g., watches, rings, bracelets,anklets, necklaces, glasses, contact lens, or head-mounted-devices(HMDs)), a fabric or garment-integrated type (e.g., an electronicapparel), a body-attached type (e.g., a skin pad or tattoos), or abio-implantable type (e.g., an implantable circuit).

Hereinafter, electronic devices according to various embodiments will bedescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings. In thedisclosure, the term “user” may refer to a person who uses an electronicdevice or may refer to a device (e.g., an artificial intelligenceelectronic device) that uses the electronic device.

FIG. 1A is a view illustrating the front exterior of a foldableelectronic device in a first state, according to an embodiment. FIG. 1Bis a view illustrating the rear exterior of the foldable electronicdevice in the first state, according to an embodiment. FIG. 1C is a viewillustrating an example of the exterior of the foldable electronicdevice in a second state, according to an embodiment. FIG. 1D is a viewillustrating an example of the exterior of the foldable electronicdevice in the second state, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1D, the foldable electronic device 100 includes ahousing 120 including a first housing structure 121 and a second housingstructure 122, a display 110 (e.g., a flexible display), a first cover161, a second cover 162, a hinge housing 150 having a hinge structuredisposed therein, and a sensor module 190. FIGS. 1A and 1B illustratethe front side and the rear side of the foldable electronic device 100in the first state (e.g., a flat state or an unfolded state), and FIGS.1C and 1D are perspective views including the upper and lower sides(e.g., the left and right sides) of the foldable electronic device 100in the second state (e.g., a folded state).

Depending on an arrangement, the first housing structure 121 may bedisposed so as to be continuous with the second housing structure 122(e.g., when the central portion of the display 110 is flat or when thehousing 120 is in a flat state), or it may be disposed side by side withthe second housing structure 122. Alternatively, when the centralportion of the display 110 is folded, one side of the first housingstructure 121 may face one side of the second housing structure 122.

At least part of the first housing structure 121 may be formed of ametallic material, or at least part of the first housing structure 121may be formed of a non-metallic material. For example, the first housingstructure 121 may be formed of a material having a predeterminedstiffness to support at least part of the display 110. One area (or afirst portion) of the display 110 may be disposed on a portion of thefront side of the first housing structure 121. The first housingstructure 121 may have an empty space therein, or may be coupled withthe first cover 161 to form an empty space. Electronic components (e.g.,a printed circuit board, and/or at least one processor, at least onememory, and a battery mounted on the printed circuit board) that arerequired to drive the display 110 may be disposed in the empty space.The periphery of the first housing structure 121 may surround aperiphery on one side of the display 110.

Depending on an arrangement, the second housing structure 122 may bedisposed side by side with the first housing structure 121, or may bedisposed such that at least one side of the second housing structure 122faces one side (e.g., a side on which the display 110 is disposed) ofthe first housing structure 121. The second housing structure 122 may beformed of the same material as that of the first housing structure 121.The second housing structure 122 may be disposed horizontally orvertically symmetric to the first housing structure 121, and at leastpart of the remaining area of the display 110 other than the areadisposed on the first housing structure 121 may be disposed andsupported on the front side of the second housing structure 122. Similarto the first housing structure 121, the second housing structure 122 mayhave an empty space therein or may be coupled with the second cover 162to form an empty space. Electronic components required to drive thedisplay 110 may be disposed in the empty space. The periphery of thesecond housing structure 122 may surround a periphery on an oppositeside of the display 110.

The foldable electronic device 100 may include, on one side of thesecond housing structure 122, a sensor arrangement area 123 in which atleast one sensor associated with operating a specific function of thefoldable electronic device 100 is disposed. For example, at least one ofa proximity sensor, an illuminance sensor, an iris sensor, an imagesensor (e.g., a camera), or a fingerprint sensor may be disposed in thesensor arrangement area 123. The sensor arrangement area 123 may belocated on the rear side of the foldable electronic device 100 when theat least one sensor is disposed on the rear side of the foldableelectronic device 100.

Depending on the folded or flat state of the foldable electronic device100, the hinge housing 150 may be hidden by one side of the firsthousing structure 121 and one side of the second housing structure 122(e.g., a flat state of the housing 120), or may be exposed to theoutside (e.g., a folded state of the housing 120). For example, asillustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the hinge housing 150 may be hidden bythe first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122when the first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure122 are arranged side by side. As illustrated in FIGS. 1C and 1D, thehinge housing 150 may be exposed to the outside (e.g., to outside thefoldable electronic device 100) between lateral portions of the firsthousing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122 when one sideof the first housing structure 121 and one side of the second housingstructure 122 face each other.

At least part of the display 110 may be provided in a foldable manner.The display 110 may include a first area disposed on the first housingstructure 121, a second area disposed on the second housing structure122, and a central area within a predetermined range with respect to thearea adjacent to the first housing structure 121 and the second housingstructure 122. At least part of the central area may be flexible.

The sensor module 190 may be disposed in a predetermined area on therear side of the foldable electronic device 100. The sensor module 190may include at least one of an image sensor, an illuminance sensor, aheart rate sensor, and a fingerprint sensor. In FIGS. 1B-1D, the sensormodule 190 includes a plurality of image sensors. However, thedisclosure is not limited thereto. The sensor module 190 may include alight emitting device (LED) (e.g., a lamp) that is associated withsupporting a flash function.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the foldable electronicdevice, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2, the foldable electronic device 100 includes thedisplay 110, the housing 120, a first printed circuit board 131 and asecond printed circuit board 132, a first battery 133, a second battery134, hinge plates 141 and 142, a hinge module 200, the first cover 161and the second cover 162.

The display 110 includes a first area 51, a second area 52, and acentral area 53. The central area 53 may include a predetermined areathat is located on the central portion of the inside of the display 110while the display 110 is folded. At least part of the first area 51 maybe attached to the first housing structure 121. At least part of thesecond area 52 may be attached to the second housing structure 122. Thecentral area 53 may be disposed so as not to be fixed (or attached) tothe first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122.Accordingly, the central area 53 may be moved without being attached tothe first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122while the display 110 is folded or unfolded.

The first housing structure 121 includes a first surface 121 a and asecond surface 121 b opposite to the first surface 121 a, and the secondhousing structure 122 may include a third surface 122 a and a fourthsurface 122 b opposite to the third surface 122 a. The first housingstructure 121 and the second housing structure 122 may be folded aboutthe hinge module 200 within a specified angle range (i.e., up to apredetermined angle range). When the display 110 is folded (or the firsthousing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122 are stackedon each other), the third surface 122 a may face the first surface 121a, and in the state in which the display 110 is unfolded, the firstsurface 121 a and the third surface 122 a may face the same direction,and a first peripheral portion 121 c of the first housing structure 121may be connected with a second peripheral portion 122 c of the secondhousing structure 122. The display 110 (or the flexible display layer)may be disposed across at least part of the first surface 121 a and atleast part of the third surface 122 a. The display 110 may be folded atthe first peripheral portion 121 c and the second peripheral portion 122c or in adjacent areas of the first peripheral portion 121 c and thesecond peripheral portion 122 c. The sensor arrangement area 123 may bedisposed on one side of the second housing structure 122.

The first printed circuit board 131 may be disposed between the secondsurface 121 b of the first housing structure 121 and the first cover161. The second printed circuit board 132 may be disposed between thefourth surface 122 b of the second housing structure 122 and the secondcover 162. Alternatively, the first printed circuit board 131 and thesecond printed circuit board 132 may be integrated into one printedcircuit board and may be disposed between the second surface 121 b ofthe first housing structure 121 and the first cover 161 or between thefourth surface 122 b of the second housing structure 122 and the secondcover 162. Various electronic components required to drive the foldableelectronic device 100 may be disposed on the first printed circuit board131 and the second printed circuit board 132. For example, components,such as a memory, at least one processor, communication circuitry, anantenna, a microphone, a speaker, at least one sensor and an electroniccomponent associated with driving the at least one sensor, and a camera,may be mounted on at least one of the first printed circuit board 131and the second printed circuit board 132.

The first battery 133 may be disposed between the second surface 121 bof the first housing structure 121 and the first cover 161. The secondbattery 134 may be disposed between the fourth surface 122 b of thesecond housing structure 122 and the second cover 162. The first battery133 and the second battery 134 may supply power required to drive thefoldable electronic device 100. The first battery 133 and the secondbattery 134 may supply power to components, such as at least one of thefirst printed circuit board 131 and the second printed circuit board132, the display 110, and at least one sensor. Although the foldableelectronic device 100 includes the plurality of batteries 133 and 134,the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the foldableelectronic device 100 may include only one battery.

The hinge plates 141 and 142 may include the first hinge plate 141coupled with the first housing structure 121 and one side of the hingemodule 200 and the second hinge plate 142 coupled with the secondhousing structure 122 and an opposite side of the hinge module 200. Forexample, one side of the first hinge plate 141 may be fixed to theperiphery of the first housing structure 121 that is adjacent to thesecond housing structure 122, and an opposite side of the first hingeplate 141 may be fixed to a portion of each of hinge structures 200 a,300, and 200 b and a portion of each of detent structures 400 a, 400 b,400 c, and 400 d.

The detent structures 400 a, 400 b, 400 c, and 400 d may be componentsthat allow a mechanical device to temporarily stop, or allow themechanical device to stop at a specified pressure or less and/or operateat more than the specified pressure. The detent structures 400 a, 400 b,400 c, and 400 d may be components that enable a mounting function at aspecified (i.e., a predetermined) angle depending on hinge motions ofthe first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122.The detent structures 400 a, 400 b, 400 c, and 400 d may stop rotationof the first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122when the internal angle between the first housing structure 121 and thesecond housing structure 122 reaches a specified angle. When a forcewith a specified magnitude or more is applied, the first housingstructure 121 and the second housing structure 122 may be unfolded witha specified angle in a folded state or may be folded with the specifiedangle in a flat state.

While a user folds or unfolds the first housing structure 121 or thesecond housing structure 122, the force generated by folding orunfolding the housing structures 121 and 122 may be transmitted to atleast a portion of each of the hinge structures 200 a, 200 b, and 300,and at least a portion of each of the detent structures 400 a, 400 b,400 c, and 400 d. For example, one side of the second hinge plate 142may be fixed to the periphery of the second housing structure 122 thatis adjacent to the first housing structure 121, and an opposite side ofthe second hinge plate 142 may be fixed to the remaining portion of eachof the hinge structures 200 a, 300, and 200 b and the remaining portionof each of the detent structures 400 a, 400 b, 400 c, and 400 d. Theforce (or pressure) applied by the user to fold or unfold the firsthousing structure 121 or the second housing structure 122 may betransmitted to the remaining portion of each of the hinge structures 200a, 200 b, and 300 and the remaining portion of each of the detentstructures 400 a, 400 b, 400 c, and 400 d.

The hinge module 200 may include the hinge housing 150, the first hingestructure 200 a, the second hinge structure 200 b, the third hingestructure 300, and the detent structures 400 a, 400 b, 400 c, and 400 d.

The hinge housing 150 may have a semi-cylindrical (or semi-elliptical)structure that is closed at both ends. The hinge housing 150 may have anempty space therein in which the first hinge structure 200 a, the secondhinge structure 200 b, the third hinge structure 300, and the detentstructures 400 a, 400 b, 400 c, and 400 d are mounted. The hinge housing150 may be formed to have a length that corresponds to the length of thedisplay 110 in the direction of one axis thereof (e.g., a long axis) orthe length of the first housing structure 121 in the direction of oneaxis thereof (e.g., a long axis). The hinge housing 150 may have asemi-circular, semi-elliptical, or partially-curved cross-section. Thehinge housing 150 may include at least one boss 151 (e.g., a protrusionfor screw coupling) that is used to mount and fix at least one of thehinge structures 200 a, 200 b, and 300 and the detent structures 400 a,400 b, 400 c, and 400 d.

The first hinge structure 200 a may be disposed at one point of thehinge housing 150 that is symmetric to the second hinge structure 200 bwith respect to the central portion of the hinge housing 150. Forexample, the first hinge structure 200 a may be disposed to be biased toan upper side with respect to the central portion of the illustratedhinge housing 150. The first hinge structure 200 a may be disposedadjacent to the upper end of the hinge housing 150. A portion of thefirst hinge structure 200 a may be fixed to the hinge housing 150, andother portions of the first hinge structure 200 a may be coupled to thehinge plates 141 and 142. For example, one side of the first hingestructure 200 a may be coupled with one side of the first hinge plate141, and an opposite side of the first hinge structure 200 a may becoupled to one side of the second hinge plate 142. The first hingestructure 200 a may perform hinge motion to correspond to rotary motionsof the hinge plates 141 and 142 coupled thereto. Two sub-hingestructures of the first hinge structure 200 a may be alternatelydisposed and may perform hinge motions independently of hinge motions ofthe hinge plates 141 and 142. At least part of the first hinge structure200 a may be formed of a metallic material.

The second hinge structure 200 b may be disposed at an opposite point ofthe hinge housing 150 that is symmetric to the first hinge structure 200a with respect to the central portion of the hinge housing 150.Alternatively, the second hinge structure 200 b may be disposed to bebiased to (e.g., in the direction of) a lower side with respect to thecentral portion of the hinge housing 150. The second hinge structure 200b may be disposed adjacent to the lower end of the hinge housing 150. Aportion of the second hinge structure 200 b may be fixed to the hingehousing 150, and other portions of the second hinge structure 200 b maybe coupled to the hinge plates 141 and 142. For example, one side of thesecond hinge structure 200 b may be coupled with an opposite side of thefirst hinge plate 141, and an opposite side of the second hingestructure 200 b may be coupled to an opposite side of the second hingeplate 142. The second hinge structure 200 b may perform hinge motion tocorrespond to rotary motions of the hinge plates 141 and 142 coupledthereto. Like the first hinge structure 200 a, the second hingestructure 200 b may include two sub-hinge structures, and the twosub-hinge structures of the second hinge structure 200 b may bealternately disposed and may perform hinge motions independently ofhinge motions of the hinge plates 141 and 142. The second hingestructure 200 b may be formed of the same material as that of the firsthinge structure 200 a. The second hinge structure 200 b may havesubstantially the same structure and shape as the first hinge structure200 a, but may differ from the first hinge structure 200 a in terms ofthe position on the hinge housing 150.

The third hinge structure 300 may be disposed on the central portion ofthe hinge housing 150. A portion of the third hinge structure 300 may befixed to the hinge housing 150, and other portions of the third hingestructure 300 may be connected to the first hinge plate 141 and thesecond hinge plate 142. The third hinge structure 300 may transmit forcethrough interlocking gears such that the first hinge plate 141 and thefirst housing structure 121 coupled to the first hinge plate 141 (or thesecond hinge plate 142 and the second housing structure 122 coupled tothe second hinge plate 142) perform hinge motion together with thesecond hinge plate 142 and the second housing structure 122 coupled tothe second hinge plate 142 (or the first hinge plate 141 and the firsthousing structure 121 coupled to the first hinge plate 141).

The detent structures 400 a, 400 b, 400 c, and 400 d may be disposed atpredetermined positions in the hinge housing 150. The first detentstructure 400 a may be disposed between the first hinge structure 200 aand the third hinge structure 300. The second to fourth detentstructures 400 b, 400 c, and 400 d may be disposed between the secondhinge structure 200 b and the third hinge structure 300.

The hinge module 200 may include one, two or more detent structures. Thedetent structures 400 a, 400 b, 400 c, and 400 d may have the samestructure. Additionally, the detent structures 400 a, 400 b, 400 c, and400 d may have the same structure and size, but may be disposed indifferent directions in the hinge housing 150.

The first cover 161 may be disposed on the rear surface of the firsthousing structure 121 to cover at least part of the second surface 121 bof the first housing structure 121. The first cover 161 may be disposedto cover a portion of the hinge module 200 (e.g., one side of the hingehousing 150) that is disposed between the first housing structure 121and the second housing structure 122. The first cover 161 may haverounded corners, may have an empty space inside, or may be fastened tothe second surface 121 b of the first housing structure 121 to form anempty space between the first housing structure 121 and the first cover161. For example, the first cover 161 may have a structure with arectangular bottom surface and sidewalls formed on an upper side andleft and right sides of the bottom surface.

The second cover 162 may be disposed adjacent to the first cover 161 andmay be fastened to the fourth surface 122 b of the second housingstructure 122 to cover at least part of the second housing structure 122(e.g., at least part of the fourth surface 122 b). The second cover 162may be disposed to cover the remaining portion of the hinge structure200 (e.g., an opposite side of the hinge housing 150) that is partlyhidden by the first cover 161. The second cover 162 may have roundedcorners, similar to the first cover 161. The second cover 162 may havean empty space inside, or may be fastened to the fourth surface 122 b ofthe second housing structure 122 to form an empty space between thesecond housing structure 122 and the second cover 162. In this regard,the second cover 162 may have a structure with a rectangular bottomsurface and sidewalls formed on a lower side, and left and right sidesof the bottom surface.

Although the first hinge structure 200 a and the second hinge structure200 b are disposed at the opposite ends of the hinge housing 150 withrespect to the central portion of the hinge housing 150, and the thirdhinge structure 300 is disposed between the first hinge structure 200 aand the second hinge structure 200 b, the disclosure is not limitedthereto. For example, one of the first hinge structure 200 a or thesecond hinge structure 200 b which does not include a separateinterlocking gear may be disposed in the hinge housing 150. In thefoldable electronic device 100, the first hinge structure 200 a having anon-interlocking structure may be disposed at one end of the hingehousing 150, and a plurality of hinge structures in the third hingestructure 300 (e.g., an interlocking structure including interlockinggears) may be disposed in a different position (e.g., on the centralportion of the hinge housing 150 or at an opposite end of the hingehousing 150).

FIG. 3A is a view illustrating a detent structure, according to anembodiment. FIG. 3B is an exploded perspective view of the detentstructure of FIG. 3A, according to an embodiment. FIG. 4A is a viewillustrating a state in which the detent structure forms a specifiedangle, according to an embodiment. FIG. 4B is a view illustrating afirst plate coupling part of FIG. 4A, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 3A-4B, the third detent structure 400 c includes afirst plate coupling part 410 and a second plate coupling part 420. Thefirst detent structure 400 a, the second detent structure 400 b, and thefourth detent structure 400 d may also include a first plate couplingpart and a second plate coupling part, similar to the third detentstructure 400 c.

The first plate coupling part 410 may be coupled with the first housingstructure 121 through the first hinge plate 141 and/or coupled with thesecond housing structure 122 through the second hinge plate 142. Atleast part of the first plate coupling part 410 may be formed of ametallic material (e.g., stainless steel (SUS), aluminum, or an alloythereof), or at least part of the first plate coupling part 410 may beformed of a non-metallic material (e.g., a plastic material). The firstplate coupling part 410 may include a first coupling body 411, a bridge412, a first support portion 413, and a second support portion 414.

The first coupling body 411 may have, for example, a bar or rod shapewith a predetermined thickness that has a first length in a first axialdirection (x, −x) and a second length in a second axial direction (y,−y), and has rounded edges or corners. A first rivet hole 411 b may belocated in an edge region (i.e., a first edge region) of the firstcoupling body 411 that faces a first direction (−x), a second rivet hole411 c may be located in an edge region (i.e., a second edge region) ofthe first coupling body 411 that faces a second direction (x), and afirst coupling hole 411 a may be located in at least part of the centralregion of the first coupling body 411. For example, a first rivet 411b_1 may be inserted into the first rivet hole 411 b, and a second rivet411 c_1 may be inserted into the second rivet hole 411 c. A hole guide411 a_1 may be disposed in the first coupling hole 411 a. The firstrivet 411 b_1 may pass through a hole formed on one side of the firsthinge plate 141 (or the second hinge plate 142) and may fix the firsthinge plate 141 (or the second hinge plate 142) to the first couplingbody 411 by using a rivet process. The second rivet 411 c_1 may passthrough a hole formed on one side of the second hinge plate 142 (or thefirst hinge plate 141) and may fix the second hinge plate 142 (or thefirst hinge plate 141) to the first coupling body 411 by using a rivetprocess. The hole guide 411 a 1, after being inserted into the firstcoupling hole 411 a, may be coupled with the first hinge plate 141placed on the first coupling body 411.

The bridge 412 may have a specified width and may extend from thecentral portion of the first coupling body 411 by a predetermined lengthin a third direction (−y). A portion of the first coupling hole 411 amay be located on one side of the bridge 412. The first support portion413 and the second support portion 414 may be connected to an end of thebridge 412.

The first support portion 413 may include one side extending from thebridge 412 and may have an overall inverted “L” shape. The first supportportion 413 may include a first wing 413 a, a second wing 413 b, a firstmounting hole 413 c, and a first curved portion 413 d. The firstmounting hole 413 c may be formed in the shape of a through-hole or arecess. The first wing 413 a may have a predetermined width and mayextend from the bridge 412 in the first direction (−x). The second wing413 b may have a predetermined width and may extend from an end of thefirst wing 413 a in the third direction (−y). The first mounting hole413 c may be formed through the second wing 413 b (e.g., in the firstaxial direction (x, −x)) and may have a predetermined size. The firstcurved portion 413 d may be formed in a shape that is curved with aspecified curvature from an end of the second wing 413 b in the firstdirection (−x) (e.g., in the same direction as the direction in whichthe first wing 413 a extends from the end of the bridge 412). The firstcurved portion 413 d may allow a first mounting part 431 to be smoothlyinserted into the first support portion 413 while the first platecoupling part 410 and the second plate coupling part 420 are coupledtogether. The first curved portion 413 d may serve to guide a movementof the first mounting part 431 toward the first mounting hole 413 cwhile the first mounting part 413 is inserted into the first mountinghole 413 c. The first plate coupling part 410 and the second platecoupling part 420 may rotate depending on rotation of the first housingstructure 121 and the second housing structure 122, and therefore thefirst curved portion 413 d may be formed to protrude, or to be curved,by a specified height in one direction (e.g., a direction inclined by aspecified angle from the −y axis to the −x axis) with respect to thedrawings so as to allow the first mounting part 431 to be smoothlyinserted into the first support portion 413.

The second support portion 414 may extend from the bridge 412 in thesecond direction (x) and may have an overall “L” shape that is symmetricto the first support portion 413 with respect to the third axis (−y).The second support portion 414 may include a third wing 414 a, a fourthwing 414 b, a second mounting hole 414 c, and a second curved portion414 d. The second mounting hole 414 c may be formed in the shape of athrough-hole or a recess. The third wing 414 a may have a predeterminedwidth and may extend from the end of the bridge 412 in the seconddirection (x). The fourth wing 414 b may have a predetermined width andmay extend from an end of the third wing 414 a in the third direction(−y). The second mounting hole 414 c may be formed through the fourthwing 414 b. The second curved portion 414 d may be formed at an end ofthe fourth wing 414 b so as to be symmetric to the first curved portion413 d with respect to the third axis (−y). The fourth wing 414 b and thesecond wing 413 b may be disposed to be symmetric to each other withrespect to the third axis (−y). With respect to the third axis (−y), thefirst curved portion 413 d and the direction in which the first curvedportion 413 d is curved may be symmetric to the second curved portion414 d and the direction in which the second curved portion 414 d iscurved.

The second plate coupling part 420 may be coupled with the secondhousing structure 122 through the second hinge plate 142. When the firstplate coupling part 410 is coupled with the second housing structure 122through the second hinge plate 142, the second plate coupling part 420may be coupled with the first housing structure 121 through the firsthinge plate 141. The second plate coupling part 420 may be brought intocontact with, or spaced apart from, the first plate coupling part 410depending on the angle between the second housing structure 122 coupledto the second plate coupling part 420 and the first housing structure121. At least part of the second plate coupling part 420 may be formedof a metallic material or the same material as that of the first platecoupling part 410. At least part of the second plate coupling part 420may be formed of a metallic material, or at least part of the secondplate coupling part 420 may be formed of a non-metallic material (e.g.,a plastic material).

The second plate coupling part 420 includes a second coupling body 421,a mounting body 422, an elastic member 430, and mounting parts 431 and432. The second coupling body 421 and the mounting body 422 may beintegrated with each other. The second coupling body 421 and themounting body 422 may be formed of the same material as that of thefirst coupling body 411 and/or the support portions 413 and 414.

The second coupling body 421 may have a predetermined thickness andwidth and may be formed of a predetermined material, for example, ametallic material. The second coupling body 421 may include a platemounting portion 421 a that is formed in a lower position thanperipheral portions by a specified height and on which the second hingeplate 142 (or the first hinge plate 141) is mounted, a second couplinghole 421 a_1 formed on the plate mounting portion 421 a and used tocouple the hinge plate, and coupling protrusions 421 a_2 formed on therespective peripheral portions and used to couple the hinge plate, theperipheral portions being formed in a higher position than the platemounting portion 421 a by the specified height. The plate mountingportion 421 a may be formed with a step by a specified depth (e.g., thethickness of the hinge plate) in one direction (−z) such that theportion to which the first hinge plate 141 or the second hinge plate 142is coupled does not further protrude upward beyond the peripheralportions. The coupling protrusions 421 a_2 may be aligned with recessesor holes formed on the first hinge plate 141 or the second hinge plate142. The coupling protrusions 421 a_2 may prevent a movement of thefirst hinge plate 141 or the second hinge plate 142 and, when couplingwith the first hinge plate 141 or the second hinge plate 142, may guidethe first hinge plate 141 or the second hinge plate 142 such that thefirst hinge plate 141 or the second hinge plate 142 is mounted well onthe plate mounting portion 421 a.

The mounting body 422 may extend from the second coupling body 421 in afourth direction (y), and the elastic member 430 and the mounting parts431 and 432 may be mounted in the mounting body 422. For example, themounting body 422 may be formed with a step in the same direction (−z)as the direction in which the plate mounting portion 421 a is formedwith a step, such that the elastic member 430 is mounted in the mountingbody 422. The mounting body 422 may be formed in a shape correspondingto the external appearance of the elastic member 430. For example, themounting body 422 may include an elastic member mounting portion 422 a,at least part of which includes a curved surface to correspond to theexternal appearance of the elastic member 430 in the form of a coilspring. The mounting body 422 may have, in opposite sidewalls thereof,fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2 into which the mounting parts 431 and 432are fixedly inserted. For example, the mounting body 422 may include thefirst fixing hole 422_1 that is formed in the sidewall facing the firstdirection (−x), and may have a larger diameter than a protrusion of thefirst mounting part 431. The second fixing hole 422_2 that is formed inthe sidewall facing the second direction (x) may have a larger diameterthan a protrusion of the second mounting part 432.

The elastic member 430 may be mounted in the elastic member mountingportion 422 a of the mounting body 422. The elastic member 430 may havea coil spring shape or a plate spring shape. In the elastic membermounting portion 422 a, the elastic member 430 may exert elastic forcesuch that the first mounting part 431 and the second mounting part 432are mounted in the first direction (−x) and the second direction (x).

The mounting parts 431 and 432 may be connected to opposite sides of theelastic member 430 and may be disposed to partly protrude in the firstdirection (−x) and the second direction (x) through the first fixinghole 422_1 and the second fixing hole 422_2 formed in the mounting body422. The second mounting part 432 (or the first mounting part 431) mayinclude a protrusion 432 a including a curved surface, a flange 432 bthat is provided at the bottom of the protrusion 432 a and having alarger diameter than the second fixing hole 422_2, and/or a column 432 cinserted into one side of the elastic member 430. The protrusion 432 amay at least partially protrude outside the mounting body 422 throughthe fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2, and may be brought into contact withthe first plate coupling part 410 depending on hinge motions of thehousing structures 121 and 122. The flanges 432 b of the mounting parts431 and 432 may serve to support the mounting parts 431 and 432 suchthat the mounting parts 431 and 432 are not separated from the fixingholes 422_1 and 422_2. The columns 432 c may support the elastic member430 to prevent the mounting parts 431 and 432 from being separated fromthe elastic member 430 and prevent the elastic member 430 from beingseparated from the elastic member mounting portion 422 a. At least partof at least one of the mounting parts 431 and 432 may be formed of ametallic material, or at least part of at least one of the mountingparts 431 and 432 may be formed of a non-metallic material (e.g., aplastic material).

The mounting parts 431 and 432 may be first brought into contact withthe first curved portion 413 d and the second curved portion 414 d whenbeing brought into contact with the first plate coupling part 410. Inthis state, the mounting parts 431 and 432 may remain in contact withthe curved portions 413 d and 414 d, in the case where a specifiedpressure is not added. Accordingly, the first housing structure 121 andthe second housing structure 122 may be temporarily fixed at a firstspecified angle. When the specified pressure or more is added so thatthe mounting parts 431 and 432 are moved into the mounting body 422through the fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2, at least part of the secondplate coupling part 420 may be moved into the first plate coupling part410. The mounting parts 431 and 432, when aligned with the mountingholes 413 c and 414 c, may be at least partially inserted into themounting holes 413 c and 414 c while the portions of the mounting parts431 and 432 pushed into the mounting body 422 are moved outside thefixing holes 422_1 and 422_2 by the elastic member 430. In this case,the first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122 mayhave a flat state.

FIG. 5A is a view illustrating some components of the foldableelectronic device, according to an embodiment. FIG. 5B is a viewillustrating a specified first area 30_1 of FIG. 5A, according to anembodiment. FIG. 5C is a sectional view taken along line A-A′ of FIG.5B, according to an embodiment. FIG. 5D is a sectional perspective viewtaken along line B-B′ of FIG. 5C, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5A, the foldable electronic device 100 includes thefirst housing structure 121, the second housing structure 122, and thehinge module 200. The foldable electronic device 100 illustrated in FIG.5A exemplifies a form in which the display 110 is removed from thefoldable electronic device 100 described above with reference to FIG.1A.

The first housing structure 121 may be coupled with the first hingeplate 141. The first housing structure 121 may be disposed on one sideof the hinge module 200, for example, on an upper side with respect toFIG. 5A. The printed circuit board 131 or the battery 133 describedabove with reference to FIG. 2 may be mounted in the first housingstructure 121, and the first area 51 of the display 110 may be disposedon the first housing structure 121.

The second housing structure 122 may be coupled with the second hingeplate 142. The second housing structure 122 may be disposed on anopposite side of the hinge module 200, for example, on a lower side withrespect to FIG. 5A. The printed circuit board 132 or the battery 134described above with reference to FIG. 2 may be mounted in the secondhousing structure 122, and the second area 52 of the display 110 may bedisposed on the second housing structure 122.

The hinge module 200 may include the hinge housing 150, the first hingestructure 200 a, the second hinge structure 200 b, the third hingestructure 300, and the detent structures 400 a, 400 b, 400 c, and 400 d.The hinge module 200 may have a specified length in the horizontaldirection and may have a semi-elliptical cross-sectional shape.

The first hinge structure 200 a may be disposed on a left side withrespect to FIG. 5A, and the second hinge structure 200 b may be disposedon a right side. The third hinge structure 300 may be disposed betweenthe first hinge structure 200 a and the second hinge structure 200 b orin the center of the hinge housing 150.

Signal wiring (e.g., a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)) may bedisposed between the first detent structure 400 a and the third hingestructure 300 to electrically connect electronic components placed inthe first housing structure 121 and electronic components placed in thesecond housing structure 122. For example, a place where the signalwiring is placed may be assigned on one side of the hinge module 200.

The first detent structure 400 a may be disposed between the first hingestructure 200 a and the third hinge structure 300. The second detentstructure 400 b, the third detent structure 400 c, and the fourth detentstructure 400 d may be disposed between the third hinge structure 300and the second hinge structure 200 b. The first detent structure 400 amay be disposed adjacent to the first hinge structure 200 a. The seconddetent structure 400 b may be disposed adjacent to the third hingestructure 300. The fourth detent structure 400 d may be disposedadjacent to the second hinge structure 200 b. The third detent structure400 c may be disposed between the second detent structure 400 b and thefourth detent structure 400 d.

The detent structures 400 a, 400 b, 400 c, and 400 d may be formed insubstantially the same structure. Each of the detent structures 400 a,400 b, 400 c, and 400 d may include a first plate coupling part 410,mounting parts 431 and 432, an elastic member 430, and a second platecoupling part 420 that is coupled with the first plate coupling part410. Arrangements of the detent structures 400 a, 400 b, 400 c, and 400d may differ from one another.

For example, the first detent structure 400 a may be disposed in thehinge housing 150, the first plate coupling part may be fixed to thefirst hinge plate 141, and the second plate coupling part may be fixedto the second hinge plate 142. The second detent structure 400 b may bedisposed in the hinge housing 150, the first plate coupling part may befixed to the second hinge plate 142, and the second plate coupling partmay be fixed to the first hinge plate 141. The third detent structure400 c may have the same arrangement form as the first detent structure400 a. The fourth detent structure 400 d may have the same arrangementform as the second detent structure 400 b. The first detent structure400 a and the fourth detent structure 400 d may have the samearrangement state, and the second detent structure 400 b and the thirddetent structure 400 c may have the same arrangement state. As describedabove, the plate coupling parts of the detent structures 400 a, 400 b,400 c, and 400 d may be disposed in zigzags on the hinge housing 150 soas to be located in different positions, thereby providing a feeling ofoperation and a feeling of stability to a user.

Referring to FIGS. 5B-5D, the third detent structure 400 c includes thefirst plate coupling part 410 mounted in the hinge housing 150 and fixedto the first hinge plate 141. For example, at least part of the firsthinge plate 141 may be placed on the first plate coupling part 410, andthe first hinge plate 141 and the first plate coupling part 410 may becoupled by a first coupling member 400 c_1. The first coupling member400 c_1 may include a screw. As the first housing structure 121 and thefirst hinge plate 141 rotate, the first plate coupling part 410 mayrotate together by a specified angle.

The third detent structure 400 c may include the second plate couplingpart 420 mounted in the hinge housing 150 and fixed to the second hingeplate 142. The second hinge plate 142 may be placed on the second platecoupling part 420, and the second hinge plate 142 and the second platecoupling part 420 may be coupled by a second coupling member 400 c_2.The second plate coupling part 420 may perform a hinge motion tocorrespond to rotation of the second housing structure 122 and thesecond hinge plate 142.

In the case where the first housing structure 121 and the second housingstructure 122 have a flat state, the first plate coupling part 410 andthe second plate coupling part 420 may be disposed such that at leastparts thereof are brought into contact with each other. In thisoperation, the elastic force of the elastic member 430 disposed in thesecond plate coupling part 420 may be exerted in the first direction(−x) or the second direction (x) of the hinge housing 150. The elasticmember 430 may allow the first mounting part 431 (or the second mountingpart 432) to protrude in the direction in which the second platecoupling part 420 and the first plate coupling part 410 are brought intocontact with each other, and the first mounting part 431 (or the secondmounting part 432) may move into the second plate coupling part 420while being brought into contact with the wings of the first platecoupling part 410 and may thereafter be mounted in the recess or holeformed on the first plate coupling part 410. Each of the mounting parts431 and 432 may include the column 432 c on which an end of the elasticmember 430 is mounted, the protrusion 432 a extending from the column432 c and having at least a portion formed in a hemispherical shape andmounted on a mounting area, and the flange 432 b formed between theprotrusion 432 a and the column 432 c and configured to prevent theelastic member 430 from being separated from the fixing hole 422_2.

The plate coupling parts 410 and 420 of the detent structures 400 a, 400b, 400 c, and 400 d may be separated from each other in the state inwhich the first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure122 are folded, and the plate coupling parts 410 and 420 may be coupledtogether while the first housing structure 121 and the second housingstructure 122 perform hinge motion from the folded state to a flatstate. In this operation, the mounting parts 431 and 432 pressed in thepredetermined directions by the elastic member 430 may be mounted in, orseparated from, the recesses or holes, and the detent structures 400 a,400 b, 400 c, and 400 d may provide a constant feeling of detent to auser.

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating arrangements of a plurality of detentstructures, according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 illustrates operationalstates of the detent structures 400 c and 400 d (e.g., corresponding toan area 30_2 of FIG. 5A) in the state in which the first housingstructure 121 and the second housing structure 122 form a predeterminedinternal angle therebetween (e.g., 120 degrees or 140 degrees).

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 6, the hinge module 200 includes a pluralityof detent structures. The plurality of detent structures included in thehinge module 200 may have arrangement states in which plate couplingparts are disposed in different positions as illustrated in FIG. 6. Thefourth detent structure 400 d disposed adjacent to the third detentstructure 400 c may include a third plate coupling part 410_2 and afourth plate coupling part 420_2. The third plate coupling part 410_2may have substantially the same shape or structure as the first platecoupling part 410 of the third detent structure 400 c, and the fourthplate coupling part 420_2 may have substantially the same shape orstructure as the second plate coupling part 420 of the third detentstructure 400 c. The first plate coupling part 410 of the third detentstructure 400 c may be disposed on an upper side with respect to FIG. 5Aand may be coupled with the first hinge plate 141, and the second platecoupling part 420 may be disposed on a lower side with respect to FIG.5A, and may be coupled with the second hinge plate 142. The third platecoupling part 410_2 of the fourth detent structure 400 d may beconnected to the second housing structure 122 through the second hingeplate 142, and the fourth plate coupling part 420_2 may be connected tothe first housing structure 121 through the first hinge plate 141.

The first plate coupling part 410 of the third detent structure 400 cmay include the first mounting hole 413 c and the second mounting hole414 c and may be connected to the first housing structure 121. The firstmounting hole 413 c and the second mounting hole 414 c may be formed inthe shape of a recess (e.g., a mounting recess).

The second plate coupling part 420 of the third detent structure 400 cmay include the first fixing hole 422_1 and the second fixing hole 422_2and may be connected to the second housing structure 122. The secondplate coupling part 420 may include a third virtual axis 601, and thethird virtual axis 601 may be spaced apart from a first virtual axisabout which the first housing structure 121 rotates and a second virtualaxis about which the second housing structure 122 rotates and may bearranged parallel to the first fixing hole 422_1 and the second fixinghole 422_2.

The first plate coupling part 410 may include the first mounting hole413 c (or, a recess or opening) that is located in the area facing thefirst fixing hole 422_1 in a flat state of the housing structures 121and 122 and the second mounting hole 414 c (or, a recess or opening)that is located in the area facing the second fixing hole 422_2. Thefirst plate coupling part 410 may have a structure in which at leastpart of the second plate coupling part 420 is received, and may beconnected with the first housing structure 121.

In the flat state of the housing structures 121 and 122, the thirddetent structure 400 c may include the first mounting part 431 coupledwith the first fixing hole 422_1 and disposed between the first fixinghole 422_1 and the first mounting hole 413 c, the second mounting part432 coupled with the second fixing hole 422_2 and disposed between thesecond fixing hole 422_2 and the second mounting hole 414 c, and theelastic member 430 located in the second plate coupling part 420 betweenthe first mounting part 431 and the second mounting part 432 andconfigured to press the first mounting part 431 and the second mountingpart 432 outward.

The fourth detent structure 400 d may include the third plate couplingpart 410_2, the fourth plate coupling part 420_2, a third mounting part431_2, a fourth mounting part 432_2, and a second elastic member 430_2.

The fourth plate coupling part 420_2 may be connected to the firsthousing structure 122 and may include a third fixing hole 422_3 and afourth fixing hole 422_4 that are arranged with respect to a fourthvirtual axis 602 that is spaced apart from the first virtual axisrelated to hinge motion of the first housing structure 121, the secondvirtual axis related to hinge motion of the second housing structure122, and the third virtual axis 601. The third plate coupling part 410_2may include a third mounting hole 413 c_2 (or, a recess or opening) thatfaces the third fixing hole 422_3 in the flat state of the housingstructures 121 and 122, and a fourth mounting hole 414 c_2 (or, a recessor opening) that faces the fourth fixing hole 422_4. The third platecoupling part 410_2 may have a structure in which at least part of thefourth plate coupling part 420_2 is received (i.e., connected with), andmay be connected to the second housing structure 122. The third mountinghole 413 c_2 and the fourth mounting hole 414 c_2 formed in the thirdplate coupling part 410_2 may be formed in the shape of a mountingrecess.

In the flat state of the housing structures 121 and 122, the thirdmounting part 431_2 may be coupled with the third fixing hole 422_3 andmay be disposed between the third fixing hole 422_3 and the thirdmounting hole 413 c_2. In the flat state of the housing structures 121and 122, the fourth mounting part 432_2 may be coupled with the fourthfixing hole 422_4 and may be disposed between the fourth fixing hole422_4 and the fourth mounting hole 414 c_2. The second elastic member430_2 may be located in the fourth plate coupling part 420_2 between thethird mounting part 431_2 and the fourth mounting part 432_2 and may bedisposed to press the third mounting part 431_2 and the fourth mountingpart 432_2 outward.

When the plurality of detent structures are arranged, a plate couplingpart of one detent structure that includes an elastic member may bedisposed in a different position from a plate coupling part of anotherdetent structure that includes an elastic member, and therefore thedetent structures may be disposed in zigzags in the hinge housing 150when viewed with respect to the position of the elastic members.

The detent structures 400 a, 400 b, 400 c, and 400 d may be arranged invarious types of formations. For example, a first type of arrangementmay be one in which the second plate coupling part 420 including theelastic member 430 is connected to the second housing structure 122through the second hinge plate 142 and the first plate coupling part 410including the support portions 413 and 414 surrounding at least part ofthe second plate coupling part 420 is connected to the first housingstructure 121 through the first hinge plate 141. A second type ofarrangement may be one in which the second plate coupling part 420including the elastic member 430 is connected to the first housingstructure 121 through the first hinge plate 141 and the first platecoupling part 410 including the support portions 413 and 414 surroundingat least part of the second plate coupling part 420 is connected to thesecond housing structure 122 through the second hinge plate 142.

In the case where the first detent structure 400 a is arranged in thefirst type of arrangement, the second detent structure 400 b is arrangedin the second type of arrangement, the third detent structure 400 c maybe arranged in the first type of arrangement, and the fourth detentstructure 400 d may be arranged in the second type of arrangement.

Additionally, the first detent structure 400 a may be arranged in thefirst type of arrangement, the second detent structure 400 b may bearranged in the first type of arrangement, the third detent structure400 c may be arranged in the second type of arrangement, and the fourthdetent structure 400 d may be arranged in the second type ofarrangement. In the case where the first detent structure 400 a isarranged in the first type of arrangement, the second detent structure400 b may be arranged in the second type of arrangement, the thirddetent structure 400 c may be arranged in the second type ofarrangement, and the fourth detent structure 400 d may be arranged inthe first type of arrangement.

The detent structures 400 a, 400 b, 400 c, and 400 d may have differentarrangements to the above-described types of arrangements. For example,the fourth detent structure 400 d may be arranged in the first type ofarrangement, the third detent structure 400 c may be arranged in thesecond type of arrangement, the second detent structure 400 b may bearranged in the first type of arrangement, and the first detentstructure 400 a may be arranged in the second type of arrangement.

The fourth detent structure 400 d may be arranged in the first type ofarrangement, the third detent structure 400 c may be arranged in thefirst type of arrangement, the second detent structure 400 b may bearranged in the second type of arrangement, and the first detentstructure 400 a may be arranged in the second type of arrangement.

The fourth detent structure 400 d may be arranged in the second type ofarrangement, the third detent structure 400 c may be arranged in thefirst type of arrangement, the second detent structure 400 b may bearranged in the first type of arrangement, and the first detentstructure 400 a may be arranged in the second type of arrangement.Additionally, The detent structures 400 a, 400 b, 400 c, and 400 d mayall be arranged in the same direction (e.g., in the first type ofarrangement or in the second type of arrangement).

FIG. 7A is a view illustrating first plate coupling parts, according toan embodiment. FIG. 7B is a view illustrating states in which foldableelectronic devices form specified angles, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 7A-7B, a first plate coupling part 410_a of a firsttype includes the first coupling body 411, the bridge 412, a firstsupport portion 413_1 of a first type, and/or a second support portion414_1 of a first type. The first support portion 413_1 of the first typeand the second support portion 414_1 of the first type may include acurved portion having a specified length and a specified size. The firstsupport portion 413_1 of the first type and the second support portion414_1 of the first type may be designed such that the internal anglebetween the first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure122 of a first foldable electronic device 800 a is equal to a firstspecified angle (e.g., 120 degrees) when the first support portion 413_1of the first type and the second support portion 414_1 of the first typeare brought into contact with the mounting parts 431 and 432 of thesecond plate coupling part 420. The first foldable electronic device 800a may maintain the first specified angle within a predeterminedpressure, thereby providing a mounting function at a specific angle. Thepredetermined pressure may vary depending on the elastic force of theelastic member 430, the curvatures of the mounting parts 431 and 432 orthe shapes of the mounting areas.

A first plate coupling part 410_b of a second type may include the firstcoupling body 411, the bridge 412, a first support portion 413_2 of asecond type, and a second support portion 414_2 of a second type. Thefirst coupling body 411 and the bridge 412 of the first plate couplingpart 410_b of the second type may have a configuration the same as, orsimilar to, the configuration of the first coupling body 411 and thebridge 412 of the first plate coupling part 410_a of the first type.

The first support portion 413_2 of the second type and the secondsupport portion 414_2 of the second type may include a curved portionhaving a specified length and a specified size. The first supportportion 413_2 of the second type and the second support portion 414_2 ofthe second type may be designed such that the internal angle between thefirst housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122 of asecond foldable electronic device 800 b is equal to a second specifiedangle (e.g., 140 degrees) when the first support portion 413_2 of thesecond type and the second support portion 414_2 of the second type arebrought into contact with the mounting parts 431 and 432 of the secondplate coupling part 420. The first support portion 413_1 of the firsttype (or the second support portion 414_1 of the first type) may includea curved portion 413 d_1 of a first type with a first length L1. Thefirst support portion 413_2 of the second type (or the second supportportion 414_2 of the second type) may include a curved portion 413 d_2of a second type with a second length L2 (e.g., the second length L2being shorter than the first length L1).

To differently design a temporarily fixed angle of the first foldableelectronic device 800 a including the first plate coupling part 410_a ofthe first type and a temporarily fixed angle of the second foldableelectronic device 800 b including the first plate coupling part 410_b ofthe second type, the first support portion 413_1 of the first type (orthe second support portion 414_1 of the first type) may include a wing413 b_1 of a first type with a first length, and the first supportportion 413_2 of the second type (or the second support portion 414_2 ofthe second type) may include a wing 413 b_2 of a second type with asecond length.

Although the wings 413 b_1 and 413 b_2 and the curved portions 413 d_1and 413 d_2 described above have different lengths depending on thetypes thereof, the disclosure is not limited thereto. In the firstfoldable electronic device 800 a temporarily fixed at the firstspecified angle and the second foldable electronic device 800 btemporarily fixed at the second specified angle, at least one of thewings 413 b_1 and 413 b_2 and the curved portions 413 d_1 and 413 d_2may be implemented in a different form. In this case, the time when themounting parts 431 and 432 are brought into contact with the curvedportions 413 d_1 and 413 d_2 may vary depending on the lengths of thesupport portions, and therefore the temporarily fixed angles of thefoldable electronic devices 800 a and 800 b may be implementeddifferently.

FIG. 8A is a view illustrating a shock-absorbing structure of the detentstructure, according to an embodiment. The detent structure employingthe shock-absorbing structure may be at least one of the plurality ofdetent structures 400 a, 400 b, 400 c, and 400 d.

Referring to FIG. 8A, the detent structure employing the shock-absorbingstructure includes the first plate coupling part 410 and the secondplate coupling part 420.

The first plate coupling part 410 may have substantially the samestructure and configuration as the first plate coupling part describedabove with reference to FIG. 3A. For example, the first plate couplingpart 410 may include the first coupling body 411, the bridge 412, thefirst support portion 413, and the second support portion 414.

The second plate coupling part 420 may have a configuration the same as,or similar to, that of the second plate coupling part described abovewith reference to FIG. 3A, and may exclude some components. The secondplate coupling part 420 may include the second coupling body 421, themounting body 422, and the elastic member 430. Furthermore, the secondplate coupling part 420 may include mounting parts 431_1 and 432_1 thatare disposed in the mounting body 422 and that at least partiallyprotrude outward through the fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2 formed in themounting body 422 and shock-absorbing members 441 a and 442 a that aremounted on the mounting parts 431_1 and 432_1 and that absorb shockgenerated while the mounting parts 431_1 and 432_1 are brought intocontact with the mounting body 422.

The second coupling body 421 may have a predetermined thickness andwidth and may be formed of a predetermined material, e.g., a metallicmaterial. The second coupling body 421 may be a component that is thesame as, or similar to, the second coupling body described above withreference to FIG. 3A.

The mounting body 422 may extend from the second coupling body 421 inthe fourth direction (y) and may have the elastic member mountingportion 422 a formed therein in which the elastic member 430, themounting parts 431_1 and 432_1, and the shock-absorbing members 441 aand 442 a are mounted. For example, the mounting body 422 may have anempty space formed therein in which the elastic member 430 is mounted,and may include, at the top thereof, an opening through which theelastic member 430, the mounting parts 431_1 and 432_1, and theshock-absorbing members 441 a and 442 a are mounted in the mounting body422. The mounting body 422 may have, in the opposite sidewalls thereof,the fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2 to which the mounting parts 431_1 and432_1 are fixed and through which at least parts of the mounting parts431_1 and 432_1 protrude outside the mounting body 422.

The elastic member 430 may be mounted in the empty space of the mountingbody 422. The elastic member 430 may have the form of a coil spring. Theelastic member 430 may be inserted into the mounting body 422 andthereafter be disposed to push the mounting parts 431_1 and 432_1 andthe shock-absorbing members 441 a and 442 a in opposite directions.Accordingly, the elastic member 430 may be formed to be shorter than theelastic member described above with reference to FIG. 3A.

The mounting parts 431_1 and 432_1 may be connected to opposite sides ofthe elastic member 430 and may be disposed to partly protrude in thefirst direction (−x) and the second direction (x) through the firstfixing hole 422_1 and the second fixing hole 422_2 that are formed inthe mounting body 422. For example, the second mounting part 432_1 (orthe first mounting part 431_1) may include the protrusion 432 aincluding a curved surface, the flange 432 b that is provided at thebottom of the protrusion 432 a and that has a larger diameter than thesecond fixing hole 422_2, the column 432 c inserted into one side of theelastic member 430, and a ring groove 432 d in which the shock-absorbingmember 442 a (or the shock-absorbing member 441 a) is disposed. The ringgrooves 431 d and 432 d in which the shock-absorbing members 441 a and442 a are mounted may be disposed adjacent to the flanges 431 b and 432b. The shock-absorbing members 441 a and 442 a in a ring shape may bemounted in the ring grooves 431 d and 432 d.

The shock-absorbing members 441 a and 442 a may be fixed to the ringgrooves 431 d and 432 d formed in front of the flanges 431 b and 432 b.The shock-absorbing members 441 a and 442 a may be disposed inside themounting body 422 so as to be adjacent to the flanges 431 b and 432 b ofthe mounting parts 431_1 and 432_1. At least part of each of theshock-absorbing members 441 a and 442 a may be formed of an elasticmaterial, or at least part of each of the shock-absorbing members 441 aand 442 a may be formed of a material capable of absorbing externalshock, for example, rubber, flexible plastic, fiber, or a combinationthereof.

The shock-absorbing members 441 a and 442 a may be disposed between theinner surfaces around the fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2 of the mountingbody 422 and the flanges 431 b and 432 b of the mounting parts 431_1 and432_1 and may absorb shock generated when the mounting parts 431_1 and432_1, which are moved into the mounting body 422 during a detentoperation, are brought into contact with the inner surfaces around thefixing holes 422_1 and 422_2 of the mounting body 422 while returning tothe original positions. Accordingly, the shock-absorbing members 441 aand 442 a may reduce noise or shock generated when the mounting parts431_1 and 432_1 are brought into contact with the fixing holes 422_1 and422_2, thereby suppressing noise and preventing damage to the mountingparts 431_1 and 432_1.

FIG. 8B is a view illustrating an example of the shock-absorbingstructure of the detent structure, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8B, the detent structure having the shock-absorbingstructure may be a structure the same as, or similar to, the structureof the detent structure described above with reference to FIG. 8A, butmay not include mounting parts and shock-absorbing members. The detentstructure may include the first plate coupling part 410 and the secondplate coupling part 420, and the second plate coupling part 420 mayinclude the second coupling body 421, the mounting body 422 having theelastic member mounting portion 422 a formed therein in which theelastic member 430 is mounted, the elastic member 430, mounting parts431_2 and 432_2 to which a plurality of shock-absorbing members 441 b_1,441 b_2, 442 b_1, and 442 b_2 are coupled, and the fixing holes 422_1and 422_2 that are formed on opposite sides of the mounting body 422 andthrough which at least one or more parts of the mounting parts 431_2 and432_2 are exposed to the outside.

The mounting part 432_2 (or the mounting part 431_2) may include aplurality of ring grooves 432 d_1 and 432 d_2 and an auxiliary flange432 b_2 formed between a flange 432 b_1 located ahead of the column 432c and the protrusion 432 a, and the plurality of shock-absorbing members442 b_1 and 442 b_2 may be mounted in the ring grooves 432 d_1 and 432d_2. The protrusions 432 a of the mounting parts 431_2 and 432_2 may beformed to be longer than the protrusions 432 a of the mounting parts431_1 and 432_1 described above with reference to FIG. 8A. The mountingbody 422 may be formed to be longer than the mounting body 422 describedabove with reference to FIG. 8a . Alternatively, the elastic member 430mounted in the mounting body 422 may be formed to be shorter than theelastic member 430 described above with reference to FIG. 8 a.

At least one or more parts of the protrusions 432 a of the mountingparts 431_2 and 432_2 on which the shock-absorbing members 441 b_1, 441b_2, 442 b_1, and 442 b_2 are mounted may be located in the fixing holes422_1 and 422_2 formed in the mounting body 422. At least some of theshock-absorbing members 441 b_1, 441 b_2, 442 b_1, and 442 b_2 may belocated in the fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2. At least part of each ofthe shock-absorbing members 441 b_1, 441 b_2, 442 b_1, and 442 b_2 maybe formed of an elastic material, or at least part of each of theshock-absorbing members 441 b_1, 441 b_2, 442 b_1, and 442 b_2 may beformed of a material capable of absorbing external shock, for example,rubber, flexible plastic, fiber, or a combination thereof. Accordingly,the shock-absorbing members 441 b_1, 441 b_2, 442 b_1, and 442 b_2 maybe brought into contact with the inner walls of the fixing holes 422_1and 422_2 and may reduce noise and shock generated by contact of themounting parts 431_2 and 432_2 with the fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2.

FIG. 8C is a view illustrating an example of the shock-absorbingstructure of the detent structure, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8C, the detent structure having the shock-absorbingstructure may be a structure the same as, or similar to, the structureof the detent structure described above with reference to FIG. 8A, butmay not include mounting parts and shock-absorbing members. The detentstructure may include the first plate coupling part 410 and the secondplate coupling part 420, and the second plate coupling part 420 mayinclude the second coupling body 421, the mounting body 422 having theelastic member mounting portion 422 a formed therein in which theelastic member 430 is mounted, the elastic member 430, mounting parts431_3 and 432_3 to which shock-absorbing members 441 c and 442 c arecoupled, and the fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2 that are formed onopposite sides of the mounting body 422 and through which at least oneor more parts of the mounting parts 431_3 and 432_3 are exposed to theoutside.

The mounting part 432_3 (or the mounting part 431_3) may include a railgroove 432 d_3 that is formed between the flange 432 b and theprotrusion 432 a and that is longer than the fixing hole 422_2 formed inthe mounting body 422. The detent structure may include theshock-absorbing members 441 c and 442 c in a hat shape having athrough-hole inside, and the shock-absorbing members 441 c and 442 c maybe mounted in the rail grooves 432 d_3 formed on the mounting parts431_3 and 432_3 and may be brought into contact with the inner surfacesof the fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2. When the mounting parts 431_3 and432_3 are inserted into the fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2 such that endsof the protrusions 432 a are exposed to the outside, the shock-absorbingmembers 441 c and 442 c may be brought into contact with at least one ormore parts of one or more entrances of the fixing holes 422_1 and 422_2while being brought into contact with the entire inner surfaces of thefixing holes 422_1 and 422_2. Accordingly, when the mounting parts 431_3and 432_3, which are moved into the mounting body 422 by a predetermineddepth during a detent operation, return to the original positions by anadditional detent operation, the shock-absorbing members 441 c and 442 cmay reduce noise and shock caused by contact between the fixing holes422_1 and 422_2 and the mounting parts 431_3 and 432_3.

FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a flat state of the detent structure,according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9, when the first housing structure and the secondhousing structure of the foldable electronic device are in a flat state,the first plate coupling part 410 and the second plate coupling part 420may be fastened with each other, as illustrated. For example, the secondmounting part 432 of the second plate coupling part 420 may be mountedin the second mounting hole 414 c formed in the first plate couplingpart 410. The second mounting hole 414 c may have a circular hole shape,and at least part of the second mounting part 432 that is inserted intothe second mounting hole 414 c may have a hemispherical shape.

The center 900_1 of the second mounting part 432 and the center 900_2 ofthe second mounting hole 414 c may be offset from each other. Forexample, the first plate coupling part 410 may be eccentrically designedsuch that the center 900_1 of the second mounting part 432 iseccentrically located off the center 900_2 of the second mounting hole414 c in one direction (e.g. the y direction). Because the secondmounting part 432, the protruding portion of which has a hemisphericalshape, is disposed to be biased in the one direction (i.e., facingtowards the one direction) in the flat state of the foldable electronicdevice, the second mounting part 432 may be adjacent to the innercircumferential surface of the second mounting hole 414 c, and thereforethe third detent structure 400 c may prevent a movement of the secondmounting part 432 of the second plate coupling part 420 in a rotationaldirection 909.

The third detent structure 400 c may support the housing structures 121and 122 such that the foldable electronic device in the flat state isnot additionally bent outward (e.g., in the z direction) such that thedisplay is not bent outward. For example, a robust detent in a flatstate of 180 degrees may be implemented by allowing a force to beexerted in a direction 900 during hinge motion of the electronic device.

FIG. 10A is a sectional view illustrating an arrangement of the detentstructure in the foldable electronic device in the second state,according to an embodiment. FIG. 10B is a sectional perspective viewillustrating the arrangement of the detent structure in the foldableelectronic device in the second state, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, when the foldable electronic device 100is in the second state (e.g., a folded state in which the first housingstructure 121 and the second housing structure 122 face each other), thefirst plate coupling part 410 coupled to the first hinge plate 141 maybe in an upright position in the hinge housing 150 in one direction(e.g., the z direction). Similarly, the second plate coupling part 420coupled to the second hinge plate 142 may be in an upright position inthe hinge housing 150 in the one direction. Accordingly, the first platecoupling part 410 and the second plate coupling part 420 may face eachother in a state of being spaced apart from each other at apredetermined interval. The display 110 may be disposed between thefirst housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 121, withthe central area 53 of the display 110 folded.

FIG. 11A is a sectional view illustrating an arrangement of the detentstructure in the foldable electronic device unfolded to a predeterminedangle, according to an embodiment. FIG. 11B is a sectional perspectiveview illustrating the arrangement of the detent structure in thefoldable electronic device unfolded to a predetermined angle, accordingto an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B, when the foldable electronic device 100is unfolded to the predetermined angle (e.g., when the first housingstructure 121 and the second housing structure 122 are rotated by aspecified angle to change from a folded state to a flat state), thefirst plate coupling part 410 coupled to the first hinge plate 141 maybe changed in the hinge housing 150 from a state of forming a firstangle (e.g., about 90 degrees) with the y axis to a state of forming asecond angle (e.g., about 45 degrees), which is different from the firstangle, with the y axis. Similarly, the second plate coupling part 420coupled to the second hinge plate 142 may be changed in the hingehousing 150 from a state of forming the first angle (e.g., about 90degrees) with the y axis to a state of forming the second angle (e.g.,about 45 degrees), which is different from the first angle, with the yaxis. The first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure122 may be unfolded with about 45 degrees (or about −45 degrees) inopposite directions in the folded state. Correspondingly, the internalangle between the first plate coupling part 410 and the second platecoupling part 420 may be about 90 degrees. In this operation, the firstplate coupling part 410 and the second plate coupling part 420 may bespaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval and may be inan inclined state without being brought into contact with each other.The display 110 may be disposed between the first housing structure 121and the second housing structure 121, with the central area 53 of thedisplay 110 unfolded in a specified angle range from the folded state.The first plate coupling part 410 connected to the first housingstructure 121 through the first hinge plate 141 may rotate about a firstvirtual axis 1001 in a specified angle range (e.g., 0 degrees to 90degrees). The second plate coupling part 420 connected to the secondhousing structure 122 through the second hinge plate 142 may rotateabout a second virtual axis 1002 in a specified angle range (e.g., 180degrees to 90 degrees). The first virtual axis 1001 and the secondvirtual axis 1002 may be virtually formed above the first hinge plate141 and the second hinge plat 142.

FIG. 12A is a sectional view illustrating an arrangement of the detentstructure in the foldable electronic device unfolded to a predeterminedangle, according to an embodiment. FIG. 12B is a sectional perspectiveview illustrating the arrangement of the detent structure in thefoldable electronic device unfolded to a predetermined angle, accordingto an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B, when the foldable electronic device 100is unfolded to a predetermined angle (e.g., when the first housingstructure 121 and the second housing structure 122 are additionallyunfolded from the state of FIGS. 11A and 11B during hinge motion), thefirst plate coupling part 410 coupled to the first hinge plate 141 maybe inclined in the hinge housing 150 by a specified angle (e.g., about60 degrees or about 70 degrees) from one direction (e.g., the zdirection) to the third direction (e.g., −y). Similarly, the secondplate coupling part 420 coupled to the second hinge plate 142 may beinclined in the hinge housing 150 by a specified angle (e.g., about −60degrees or about −70 degrees) from one direction to the fourth direction(e.g., y). The first housing structure 121 and the second housingstructure 122 may be unfolded by 60 degrees and −60 degrees (or 70degrees and −70 degrees) in opposite directions in a folded state (e.g.,the state of FIGS. 10A and 10B). Correspondingly, the internal anglebetween the first plate coupling part 410 and the second plate couplingpart 420 may be 120 degrees (or 140 degrees). In this operation, atleast part of the first plate coupling part 410 and at least part of thesecond plate coupling part 420 may be brought into contact with eachother. For example, the curved portions 413 d and 414 d of the firstplate coupling part 410 may be brought into contact with the mountingparts 431 and 432 of the second plate coupling part 420. In this state,the foldable electronic device 100 may be temporarily fixed in thecurrent state by the elastic force of the elastic member 430 of thesecond plate coupling part 420 and the friction between the mountingparts 431 and 432 and the curved portions 413 d and 414 d. The display110 disposed on the housing structures 121 and 122 may be unfolded witha larger angle than the folding angle in FIGS. 11A and 11B to correspondto the arrangement angle of the housing structures 121 and 122.

FIG. 13A is a sectional view illustrating an arrangement of the detentstructure in the foldable electronic device in the first state,according to an embodiment. FIG. 13B is a sectional perspective viewillustrating the arrangement of the detent structure in the foldableelectronic device in the first state, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, when the foldable electronic device 100is in the first state (e.g., when the first housing structure 121 andthe second housing structure 122 are in a flat state), the first platecoupling part 410 coupled to the first hinge plate 141 and the secondplate coupling part 420 coupled to the second hinge plate 142 may becoupled together and may be located in the hinge housing 150. Themounting parts 431 and 432 of the second plate coupling part 420 may bemounted in the mounting holes 413 c and 414 c of the first platecoupling part 410. The display 110 may be unfolded 180 degrees tocorrespond to the housing structures 121 and 122 unfolded 180 degrees.

FIG. 14 is a view illustrating a form of the detent structure, accordingto an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 14, a detent structure 1200 includes a first platecoupling part 1210 and a second plate coupling part 1220.

The first plate coupling part 1210 may include a first coupling body1211, a first support portion 1213, and/or a second support portion1214.

The first coupling body 1211 may have a predetermined thickness andsurface and may include, in the center thereof, a plate mounting portion1211 a formed with a step so as to be coupled with the first hinge plate141 (or the second hinge plate 142). A plate coupling hole 1211 a_1 usedto couple the hinge plate may be disposed on one side of the platemounting portion 1211 a. The first coupling body 1211 may include atleast one coupling protrusion 1211_2 that guides the hinge plate whilethe hinge plate is coupled to the first coupling body 1211.

The first support portion 1213 may extend from one end of the firstcoupling body 1211 (e.g., the −x direction) in one direction (−y). Thefirst support portion 1213 may include, for example, a first wing 1213 ahaving a predetermined width and extending in the one direction (−y) anda first step 1213 b (or a raised portion) extending from an end of thefirst wing 1213 a in the one direction (−y) and protruding inward (e.g.,in the x direction) by a specified height. The first step 1213 b mayhave a predetermined slope from top (e.g., the z direction) to bottom(e.g., the −z direction) to smoothly support an inward movement of afirst mounting part 1231 of the second plate coupling part 1220 bymaking contact with the first mounting part 1231 through a rotarymotion.

The second support portion 1214 may extend from an opposite end of thefirst coupling body 1211 (e.g., the x direction) in the one direction(−y). The second support portion 1214 may include, for example, a secondwing 1214 a having a predetermined width and extending in the onedirection (−y) and a second step 1214 b (or a raised portion) extendingfrom an end of the second wing 1214 a in the one direction (−y) andprotruding inward (e.g., in the −x direction) by a specified height. Thesecond support portion 1214 may be disposed to be symmetric to the firstsupport portion 1213 while facing the first support portion 1213.Similar to the first step 1213 b, the second step 1213 b may have apredetermined slope from top (e.g., the z direction) to bottom (e.g.,the −z direction) to smoothly support an inward movement of a secondmounting part 1232 of the second plate coupling part 1220 by makingcontact with the second mounting part 1232 through a rotary motion.

The second plate coupling part 1220 may include a second coupling body1221, a mounting body 1222, an elastic member 1230, and mounting parts1231 and 1232. The second coupling body 1221, the mounting body 1222,and the elastic member 1230 may be components that are the same as, orsimilar to, the second coupling body 421, the mounting body 422, and theelastic member 430 described above with reference to FIG. 4A. Forexample, the second coupling body 1221 may include a plate mountingportion 1221 a, a plate coupling hole 1221 a_1, and at least onecoupling protrusion 1221 a_2.

The mounting parts 1231 and 1232 may include a column 1232_1, a flange1232_2 that extends from the column 1232_1 and that is fixed to a fixinghole formed in the mounting body 1222, and a protrusion 1232_3 (or abody) in a CAM shape (or, a ridge shape or a shape, at least part ofwhich has a triangular peak shaped cross-section) that protrudes fromthe flange 1232_2 and has a smaller cross-section than the flange 1232_2and sloping sides at the distal end. The protrusions 1232_3 may be movedinto the first plate coupling part 1210 while being brought into contactwith the surfaces of the steps 1213 b and 1214 b. The support portions1213 and 1214 of the detent structure 1200 may not have separatemounting holes formed therein, and thus device manufacturing may befurther simplified.

All or at least part of at least one of the first plate coupling part1210, the second plate coupling part 1220, and the mounting parts 1231and 1232 may be formed of a non-metallic material or a metallicmaterial. At least a partial area of the first plate coupling part 1210that includes the portions brought into contact with the mounting parts1231 and 1232 may be formed of a metallic material for stiffness. Atleast a partial area of mounting holes in which the mounting parts 1231and 1232 are mounted may be formed of a metallic material for stiffnessand wear resistance.

FIG. 15A is a view illustrating a form of the detent structure,according to an embodiment. FIG. 15B is a view illustrating a foldedstate of the detent structure with respect to cutting line D-D′ of FIG.15A, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 15A and 15B, detent structures 1600 a and 1600 b areconnected to the first hinge plate 141 and the second hinge plate 142.The first detent structure 1600 a may include a first plate couplingpart 1610 connected to the first hinge plate 141 and a second platecoupling part 1620 connected to the second hinge plate 142. At leastpart of the first plate coupling part 1610 and at least part of thesecond plate coupling part 1620 may be formed of a metallic material ora non-metallic material (e.g., a plastic material).

The first plate coupling part 1610 may include a first basic body 1611that is coupled to the first hinge plate 141 and that has a panel shapethat is long in one direction (e.g., the first axis (x) or the secondaxis (−x)), a first wing 1612 a and a second wing 1612 b that extendfrom opposite sides of the first basic body 1611 in the third direction(−y), a first mounting part 1613 a vertically extending from the firstwing 1612 a in the upper direction (z), and a second mounting part 1613b vertically extending from the second wing 1612 b in the upperdirection (z). The first wing 1612 a and the second wing 1612 b may bedisposed to be symmetric to each other with respect to the third axis(the −y axis). The first mounting part 1613 a and the second mountingpart 1613 b may be disposed to be symmetric to each other with respectto the third axis (the −y axis). First coupling holes 1615 used tocouple the first hinge plate 141 (or the second hinge plate 142) may beformed in the first basic body 1611. A first recess 1614 a used tofasten the second plate coupling part 1620 may be formed on the firstmounting part 1613 a. One surface of the first recess 1614 a may beformed to further protrude beyond the surrounding area. A second recess1614 b used to fasten the second plate coupling part 1620 may be formedon the second mounting part 1613 b. One surface of the second recess1614 b may be formed to further protrude beyond the surrounding area.The first recess 1614 a and the second recess 1614 b may be disposed toface each other. At least a part of the first recess 1614 a and thesecond recess 1614 b may include a through-hole formed through the frontand the back thereof, or may be formed in the shape of a hole byremoving a portion of the protruding part thereof.

The second plate coupling part 1620 may include a second basic body 1621that is coupled to the second hinge plate 142 (or the first hinge plate141) and that has a panel shape that is long in one direction (e.g., thedirection of the first axis (x) or the second axis (−x)), a bridge 1624extending from opposite sides of the second basic body 1621 in thedirection of the fourth axis (y), and a third mounting part 1621 a and afourth mounting part 1621 b that extend from opposite sides of thebridge 1624 in a direction (e.g., the z-axis direction) that isperpendicular to the surface of the bridge 1624. A second coupling hole1623 used to couple the second hinge plate 142 may be formed in thesecond basic body 1621. A third recess 1622 a fastened with the firstrecess 1614 a formed on the first mounting part 1613 a may be formed onthe third mounting part 1621 a. The third recess 1622 a may be formed tobe larger than the first recess 1614 a. A fourth recess 1622 b fastenedwith the second recess 1614 b formed on the second mounting part 1613 bmay be formed on the fourth mounting part 1621 b. The fourth recess 1622b may be formed to be larger than the second recess 1614 b. The thirdrecess 1622 a and the fourth recess 1622 b may be disposed to face eachother. At least one of the third recess 1622 a and the fourth recess1622 b may be formed in the shape of a hole by removing at least aportion thereof. For example, the third and fourth recesses 1622 a and1622 b may be formed in the shape of a hole by maintaining portions ofthe third and fourth recesses 1622 a and 1622 b that protrude outsidethe mounting parts 1621 a and 1621 b and removing the remaining upperportions of the protrusions.

When the foldable electronic device is in a flat state (e.g., when thefirst hinge plate 141 and the second hinge plate 142 are arranged sideby side), the third mounting part 1621 a and the fourth mounting part1621 b may be located between the first mounting part 1613 a and thesecond mounting part 1613 b. The interval between the third mountingpart 1621 a and the fourth mounting part 1621 b may be shorter than theinterval between the first mounting part 1613 a and the second mountingpart 1613 b. The first to fourth mounting parts 1613 a, 1613 b, 1621 a,and 1621 b may have the same thickness or similar thicknesses.

When the foldable electronic device is in a folded state (e.g., when thefirst hinge plate 141 and the second hinge plate 142 face each other),the first plate coupling part 1610 connected to the first hinge plate141 and the second plate coupling part 1620 connected to the secondhinge plate 142 may face each other. The first mounting part 1613 a maybe spaced apart from the third mounting part 1621 a at a predeterminedinterval, and the second mounting part 1613 b may be spaced apart fromthe fourth mounting part 1621 b at the predetermined interval. Therecesses 1614 a, 1614 b, 1622 a, and 1622 b may be fastened with, orseparated from, each other while the first to fourth mounting parts 1613a, 1613 b, 1621 a, and 1621 b rotate by a specified angle in the hingehousing 150.

The second detent structure 1600 b may be arranged in the same directionas, or in a different direction from, the first detent structure 1600 a.The first plate coupling part 1610 of the second detent structure 1600 bmay be connected to the second hinge plate 142, and the second platecoupling part 1620 of the second detent structure 1600 b may beconnected to the first hinge plate 141.

The hinge module 200 may include the hinge housing 150 and the detentstructure 1600 a mounted in the hinge housing 150. The detent structure1600 a may include the first plate coupling part 1610 connected with afirst housing structure 121 and the second plate coupling part 1620connected with a second housing structure 122. The first plate couplingpart 1610 may include the first basic body 1611, the first wing 1612 aand the second wing 1612 b that extend from the opposite ends of thefirst basic body 1611 so as to be perpendicular to the first basic body1611, the first mounting part 1613 a vertically extending from the firstwing 1612 a, and the second mounting part 1613 b vertically extendingfrom the second wing 1612 b. The second plate coupling part 1620 mayinclude the second basic body 1621, the bridge 1624 connected to thesecond basic body 1621, and the third mounting part 1621 a and thefourth mounting part 1621 b that extend from the opposite edges of thebridge 1624 so as to be perpendicular to the bridge 1624. The firstmounting part 1613 a and the second mounting part 1613 b may have thefirst recess 1614 a and the second recess 1614 b formed on the surfacesfacing the first mounting part 1613 a and the second mounting part 1613b, respectively, and the third mounting part 1621 a and the fourthmounting part 1621 b may have the third recess 1622 a and the fourthrecess 1622 b formed on the surfaces facing the third mounting part 1621a and the fourth mounting part 1621 b, respectively. When the firsthousing structure and the second housing structure are in a flat state,the first recess 1614 a may be fastened with the third recess 1622 a,and the second recess 1614 b may be fastened with the fourth recess 1621b.

FIG. 16A is an exploded perspective view of a third hinge structure ofthe foldable electronic device in the second state, according to anembodiment. FIG. 16B is a sectional view illustrating an arrangementarea of the third hinge structure of the foldable electronic device inthe first state, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, insertion spaces 415, each of which issurrounded by a plurality of inner walls, are formed in main brackets1411 and 1412 of the third hinge structure 40, and inner brackets 1421and 1422 may be inserted into the insertion spaces 415. Even thoughshock is applied to the electronic device (e.g., the foldable electronicdevice 100), separation of assembled parts may be prevented, and thenumber of parts may be decreased, which results in a decrease in failurerate.

To achieve this, the third hinge structure 40 for connecting a pluralityof housings of the electronic device may include the plurality of mainbrackets 1411 and 1412 including the insertion spaces 415, each of whichis surrounded by the plurality of inner walls, the plurality of innerbrackets 1421 and 1422 that are inserted into the insertion spaces 415and that include internal gears 4241 and 4242 therein and rotate alongpredetermined rotational paths, and a plurality of main shafts 1431 and1432 that include gears formed on the outer circumferential surfacesthereof and engaged with the internal gears 4241 and 4242 and thatrotate together when the plurality of inner brackets 1421 and 1422rotate.

The main brackets 1411 and 1412 may be fixed to the hinge housing 150and may serve as a body of the third hinge structure 40 to which otherparts are assembled. The main brackets 1411 and 1412 may include theinsertion spaces 415, each of which is surrounded by the plurality ofinner walls. The number of main brackets is not limited to two mainbrackets 1411 and 1412, and a various number of main brackets (e.g.,three or more main brackets) may be formed.

The inner brackets 1421 and 1422 may be inserted into the insertionspaces 415 included in the main brackets 1411 and 1412 and may be fixedto the first housing 121 and the second housing 122 to rotate the firsthousing 121 and the second housing 122. The inner brackets 1421 and 1422may include the internal gears 4241 and 4242 therein. The number ofinner brackets is not limited to two inner brackets 1421 and 1422, and avarious number of inner brackets (e.g., three or more inner brackets)may be formed.

The gears may be formed on the outer circumferential surfaces of themain shafts 1431 and 1432 having an elongated shape and may be engagedwith the internal gears 4241 and 4242. The main shafts 1431 and 1432 mayrotate together when the inner brackets 1421 and 1422 rotate. The numberof main shafts is not limited to two, and a various number of mainshafts may be formed depending on the number of inner brackets.

The third hinge structure 40 may further include idle gears 1441 and1442. The idle gears 1441 and 1442 may be engaged with the gears of themain shafts 1431 and 1432 and may connect to the plurality of mainshafts 1431 and 1432. Accordingly, the idle gears 1441 and 1442 maytransmit the rotary power of the first main shaft 1431 to the secondmain shaft 1432. The third hinge structure 40 may not include the idlegears 1441 and 1442. In this case, the plurality of main shafts 1431 and1432 may directly engage with each other.

As illustrated in FIGS. 16A and 16B, the insertion spaces 415, each ofwhich is surrounded by the plurality of inner walls, is formed in themain brackets 1411 and 1412 of the third hinge structure 40, and theinner brackets 1421 and 1422 may be inserted into the insertion spaces415. The plurality of inner walls may include a pair of inner walls. Thepair of inner walls may be disposed on opposite sides of each of themain brackets 1411 and 1412 in the direction of axes of rotation A.R.Iof the inner brackets 1421 and 1422. When the first inner bracket 1421rotates, the rotary power may be sequentially transmitted to the firstinternal gear 4241, the first main shaft 1431, the first idle gear 1441,the second idle gear 1442, the second main shaft 1432, and the secondinternal gear 4241, and thus the second inner bracket 1422 may alsorotate together.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of the third hinge structure 40 taken alongline A-A′ of FIG. 16B, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 16A-17, in the electronic device (e.g., the foldableelectronic device 100 of FIG. 2), the first housing structure 121 andthe second housing structure 122 are connected to rotate relative toeach other. For example, when a user rotates the first housing structure121 or the second housing structure 122 to fold the electronic device inan unfolded state, the inner bracket 1421 or 1422 fixed to the firsthousing structure 121 or the second housing structure 122 through thefirst hinge plate 141 or the second hinge plate 142 may rotate about theaxis of rotation A.RI. along a predetermined rotational path. Becausethe inner brackets 1421 and 1422 are fixed to the first housingstructure 121 and the second housing structure 122, the rotational pathsof the inner brackets 1421 and 1422 may correspond to the paths alongwhich the first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure122 are folded or unfolded. Additionally, the axes of rotation A.R.I ofthe inner brackets 1421 and 1422 may correspond to the axes of rotationof the first housing structure 121 and the second housing structure 122fixed to the inner brackets 1421 and 1422 and may be parallel to theaxis of symmetry of the first housing structure 121 and the secondhousing structure 122.

Circles with a predetermined radius may be drawn about the axes ofrotation A.R.I of the inner brackets 1421 and 1422 as illustrated inFIG. 17. The lower surfaces of the inner brackets 1421 and 1422 may havearc shapes existing on the circles to minimize interference when theinner brackets 1421 and 1422 rotate. For example, the lower surfaces ofthe inner brackets 1421 and 1422 may have arc shapes with the axes ofrotation A.R.I of the inner brackets 1421 and 1422 as the centersthereof.

When the inner brackets 1421 and 1422 rotate, the main shafts 1431 and1432 may also rotate. The axes of rotation A.M. of the main shafts 1431and 1432 may correspond to the central axes of the main shafts 1431 and1432, but may differ from the axes of rotation A.R.I of the innerbrackets 1421 and 1422. Accordingly, when the inner brackets 1421 and1422 rotate, the inner brackets 1421 and 1422 may move away from themain brackets 1411 and 1412 such that the upper surfaces of the innerbrackets 1421 and 1422 that are fixed to the hinge plates 141 and 142have a predetermined angle. In contrast, the main shafts 1431 and 1432may rotate without moving away from the main brackets 1411 and 1412.Accordingly, when the inner brackets 1421 and 1422 rotate, the mainshafts 1431 and 1432 may move relative to the inner brackets 1421 and1422.

The inner brackets 1421 and 1422 may include movement spaces 1426 inwhich the main shafts 1431 and 1432 are movable. The rotational paths ofthe inner brackets 1421 and 1422 may correspond to the travel pathsalong which the main shafts 1431 and 1432 move in the inner brackets1421 and 1422, and the directions may be opposite to each other.Accordingly, the movement spaces 1426 may also have arc shapes with theaxes of rotation A.R.I of the inner brackets 1421 and 1422 as thecenters thereof.

The inner brackets 1421 and 1422 may include the internal gears 4241 and4242 therein. The internal gears 4241 and 4242 may be engaged with thegears of the main shafts 1432 and 1432. Accordingly, when the innerbrackets 1421 and 1422 rotate, the internal gears 4241 and 4242 mayrotate the main shafts 1431 and 1432. As illustrated in FIG. 17, theinternal gear 4241 may have an arc shape with the axis of rotationA.R.I. 2 of the inner bracket 1421 as the center thereof.

Gear teeth of the internal gears 4241 and 4242 may protrude toward themovement spaces 1426. The gear teeth of the internal gears 4241 and 4242may protrude away from the inner circumferential surfaces of themovement spaces 1426 in the radial directions with respect to therespective axes of rotations A.R.I 1 and A.R.I 2 of the inner brackets1421 and 1422. The gear teeth of the internal gears 4241 and 4242 mayprotrude from the outer circumferential surfaces of the movement spaces1426 in directions toward the respective axes of rotations A.R.I 1 andA.R.I 2 of the inner brackets 1421 and 1422.

The axis of rotation of the first housing structure 121 and the axis ofrotation A.R.I 1 of the first inner bracket 1421 may be the same as eachother, and the axis of rotation of the second housing structure 122 andthe axis of rotation A.R.I 2 of the second inner bracket 1422 may be thesame as each other. The axis of rotation A.R.I 1 of the first innerbracket 1421 may differ from the axis of rotation A.R.I 2 of the secondinner bracket 1422. If the axes of rotations of the inner brackets 1421and 1422, respectively A.R.I 1 and A.R.I 2, are the same as each other,the first inner bracket 1421 and the second inner bracket 1422 mayinterfere with each other while rotating. Accordingly, the axes ofrotation of the first housing structure 121 and the second housingstructure 122 may differ from each other.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of the third hinge structure 40 taken alongline B-B′ of FIG. 16B, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 16A to 18, when the first housing structure 121rotates, the first inner bracket 1421 fixed to the first housingstructure 121 through the first hinge plate 141 may rotate. The firstmain shaft 1431 may be rotated by the first internal gear 4241 of thefirst inner bracket 1421 that is engaged with the gear of the first mainshaft 1431.

As illustrated in FIG. 18, the first main shaft 1431, the first idlegear 1441, the second idle gear 1442, and the second main shaft 1432 aresequentially engaged with each other. The rotary power of the first mainshaft 1431 may be transmitted to the first idle gear 1441, the secondidle gear 1442, and the second main shaft 1432.

When a user rotates the first housing structure 121 to fold theelectronic device in an unfolded state, the first internal gear 4241 ofthe first inner bracket 1421 may rotate the first main shaft 1431 in theclockwise direction with respect to FIG. 18. The first main shaft 1431may transfer the rotary power from the first internal gear 4241 to thefirst idle gear 1441 and may rotate the first idle gear 1441 in thecounterclockwise direction with respect to FIG. 18. The first idle gear1441 may transfer the rotary power from the first main shaft 1431 to thesecond idle gear 1442 and may rotate the second idle gear 1442 in theclockwise direction with respect to FIG. 18. The second idle gear 1442may transfer the rotary power from the first idle gear 1441 to thesecond main shaft 1432 and may rotate the second main shaft 1432 in thecounterclockwise direction with respect to FIG. 18.

The second main shaft 1432 may transfer the rotary power from the secondidle gear 1442 to the second internal gear 4242 of the second innerbracket 1422. Accordingly, the second housing structure 122 fixed to thesecond inner bracket 1422 through the second hinge plate 142 may rotate.

FIG. 19 is a view illustrating the first hinge structure or the secondhinge structure of the foldable electronic device, according to anembodiment. FIG. 20A is a top view of the hinge structure of FIG. 19,according to an embodiment. FIG. 20B is an exploded perspective view ofthe hinge structure of FIG. 19, according to an embodiment. FIG. 20C isa sectional view illustrating a coupled state of the hinge structure andhinge plates of FIG. 19, according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 19-20C, the first hinge structure 200 a (or thesecond hinge structure 200 b) include a first hinge bracket 1521connected to the first hinge plate 141, a second hinge bracket 1522connected to the second hinge plate 142, and a center bracket 1541 onwhich the first hinge bracket 1521 and the second hinge bracket 1522 aremounted.

The center bracket 1541 may have a predetermined length and width so asto be mounted in the hinge housing 150, and at least part of the lowerportion of the center bracket 1541 may include a curved surface tocorrespond to the inner surface of the hinge housing 150. The centerbracket 1541 may include a first rail part 1541 a in which the firsthinge bracket 1521 is mounted and performs a hinge motion, a second railpart 1541 b in which the second hinge bracket 1522 is mounted andperforms a hinge motion, and a bracket body 1541 c having the first railpart 1541 a formed on one side thereof and the second rail part 1541 bformed on an opposite side thereof.

The first hinge bracket 1521 may have a semicircular cross-section andmay be inserted into the first rail part 1541 a in a first rotationaldirection and thereafter disposed to perform hinge motion in the firstrotational direction. A first stopper 4141 formed on the center bracket1541 may prevent the first hinge bracket 1521 from rotating more than aspecified angle in the first rotational direction, and thus the firsthinge bracket 1521 may not be separated from the center bracket 1541.

The second hinge bracket 1522 may have substantially the same structureand size as the first hinge bracket 1521. The second hinge bracket 1522may have a semicircular cross-section and may be inserted into thesecond rail part 1541 b in a second rotational direction and thereafterdisposed to perform hinge motion in the second rotational direction. Asecond stopper 4142 formed on the center bracket 1541 may prevent thesecond hinge bracket 1522 from rotating more than a specified angle inthe second rotational direction, and thus the second hinge bracket 1522may not be separated from the center bracket 1541.

An electronic device 100 according to an embodiment may include a hingehousing 150, a hinge structure 300 that is disposed in the hingehousing, a first housing structure 121 that rotates about a first axisA.R.I 2 that extends along the hinge structure, a second housingstructure 122 that rotates about a second axis A.R.I 1 that is parallelto the first axis, a flexible display (e.g., the display 110) thatincludes a first area disposed on the first housing structure and asecond area disposed on the second housing structure, and a first detentstructure (e.g., the third detent structure 400 c) that is disposed inthe hinge housing. The first detent structure may include a first member(e.g., the second plate coupling part 420) that is connected to thefirst housing structure and includes a first through-hole (e.g., thefirst fixing hole 422_1) and a second through-hole (e.g., the secondfixing hole 422_2) spaced apart from the first axis and the second axisand are arranged parallel to a third axis 601, a second member (e.g.,the first plate coupling part 410) that is connected with the secondhousing structure and that has a structure for receiving part of thefirst member and includes a first recess or a first opening (e.g., thefirst mounting hole 431 c) and a second recess or a second opening(e.g., the second mounting hole 432 c) that face the first through-holeand the second through-hole, respectively, in an unfolded state, a firstball (e.g., the first mounting part 431) that is to coupled with thefirst through-hole and disposed between the first through-hole and thefirst recess or the first opening in the unfolded state, a second ball(e.g., the second mounting part 432) that is coupled with the secondthrough-hole and disposed between the second through-hole and the secondrecess or the second opening in the unfolded state, and an elasticmember (e.g., 430 that is located in the first member between the firstball and the second ball and that presses the first ball and the secondball outward.

The electronic device may further include a second detent structure(e.g., the fourth detent structure 400 d) that is located in the hingehousing. The second detent structure may include a third member (e.g.,the third plate coupling part 410_2) that is connected to the secondhousing structure and that includes a third through-hole (e.g., thethird fixing hole 422_3) and a fourth through-hole (e.g., the fourthfixing hole 422_4) that are spaced apart from the first axis, the secondaxis, and the third axis and arranged parallel to a fourth axis 602 in afolded state, a fourth member (e.g., the fourth plate coupling part420_2) that is connected with the first housing structure and that has astructure for receiving part of the third member and includes a thirdrecess or a third opening (e.g., the third mounting hole 413_2) and afourth recess or a fourth opening (e.g., the fourth mounting hole 414_2)that face the third through-hole and the fourth through-hole,respectively, in the unfolded state, a third ball (e.g., the thirdmounting part 431_2) that is coupled with the third through-hole anddisposed between the third through-hole and the third recess or thethird opening in the unfolded state, a fourth ball (e.g., the fourthmounting part 432_2) that is coupled with the fourth through-hole anddisposed between the fourth through-hole and the fourth recess or thefourth opening in the unfolded state, and a second elastic member 430_2that is located in the third member between the third ball and thefourth ball and that presses the third ball and the fourth ball outward.

A foldable electronic device 100 may include a foldable housing (e.g.,the hinge module 200) that includes a hinge structure (e.g., the thirdhinge structure 300), a first housing structure 121 that is connected tothe hinge structure and that includes a first surface 121 and a secondsurface 121 b that is opposite to the first surface, a second housingstructure 122 that is connected to the hinge structure and that includesa third surface 122 a and a fourth surface 122 b that is opposite to thethird surface, and a hinge housing 150, in which the first housingstructure is foldable about the hinge structure with the second housingstructure, the first surface faces the third surface in a folded state,the first surface and the third surface face the same direction in anunfolded state, and between the folded state and the unfolded state, thefirst housing structure is rotatable about a first axis (e.g., the axisof rotation A.R.I 1) that extends along the hinge structure and thesecond housing structure is rotatable about a second axis (e.g., theaxis of rotation A.R.I 2) parallel to the first axis, a flexible display(e.g., the display 110) that includes a first area 51 that is disposedon the first housing structure and a second area 52 that is disposed onthe second housing structure, in which the first area and the secondarea form the first surface and the third surface together, and a firstdetent structure (e.g., the detent structure 400 c) that is disposed inthe hinge housing 150, the first detent structure including a firstmember (e.g., the second plate coupling part 420) that is connected tothe first housing structure and that includes a first through-hole(e.g., the first fixing hole 422_1) and a second through-hole (e.g., thesecond fixing hole 422_2) that are aligned along a third axis (e.g., thevirtual axis 601) that is spaced apart from and parallel to the firstaxis and the second axis, a second member (e.g., the first platecoupling part 410) that is connected with the second housing structureand formed to receive part of the first member in the unfolded state andthat includes a first recess or a first opening (e.g., the firstmounting hole 413 c) that faces the first through-hole and a secondrecess or a second opening (e.g., the second mounting hole 414 c) thatfaces the second through-hole, a first ball (e.g., the first mountingpart 431) that is coupled with the first through-hole and is disposedbetween the first through-hole and the first recess or the first openingin the unfolded state, a second ball (e.g., the second mounting part432) that is coupled with the second through-hole and is disposedbetween the second through-hole and the second recess or the secondopening in the unfolded state, and a first elastic member (e.g., theelastic member 430) that is located in the first member between thefirst ball and the second ball and that presses the first ball and thesecond ball outward.

The foldable electronic device may further include a second detentstructure (e.g., the detent structure 400 d) that is located in thehinge housing. The second detent structure may include a third member(e.g., the fourth plate coupling part 420_2) that is connected to thesecond housing structure and that includes a third through-hole (e.g.,the third fixing hole 422_3) and a fourth through-hole (e.g., the fourthfixing hole 422_4) that are aligned along a fourth axis (e.g., thevirtual axis 602) that is spaced apart from and parallel to the firstaxis, the second axis, and the third axis in the folded state, a fourthmember (e.g., the third plate coupling part 410_2) that is connectedwith the first housing structure and is formed to receive part of thethird member in the unfolded state and that includes a third recess or athird opening (e.g., the third mounting hole 413 c_2) that faces thethird through-hole and a fourth recess or a fourth opening (e.g., thefourth mounting hole 414_2) that faces the fourth through-hole, a thirdball (e.g., the third mounting part 431_2) that is coupled with thethird through-hole and is disposed between the third through-hole andthe third recess or the third opening in the unfolded state, a fourthball (e.g., the fourth mounting part 432_2) that is coupled with thefourth through-hole and is disposed between the fourth through-hole andthe fourth recess or the fourth opening in the unfolded state, and asecond elastic member 430_2 that is located in the third member betweenthe third ball and the fourth ball and that presses the third ball andthe fourth ball outward.

A hinge module 200 to which a first housing structure 121 and a secondhousing structure 122 are connected to perform hinge motion may includea hinge housing 150 and at least portion of a first detent structure(e.g., the detent structure 400 c) that is mounted in the hinge housing.The first detent structure may include a first plate coupling part(e.g., the first plate coupling part 410) that is connected with thefirst housing structure and a second plate coupling part (e.g., thefirst plate coupling part 420) that is connected with the second housingstructure. The first plate coupling part may include a first couplingbody 411 and support portions 413 and 414 that are connected with thefirst coupling body and spaced apart from each other by a predetermineddistance and that have mounting areas formed in predetermined positions.The second plate coupling part may include a second coupling body 421, amounting body 422 that is connected to the second coupling body, fixingholes 422_1 and 422_2 that are formed on opposite sides of the mountingbody, mounting parts 431 and 432 that are mounted in the fixing holes,and at least portion of an elastic member 430 that is mounted in themounting body and that presses the mounting parts toward the mountingareas when the first housing structure and the second housing structureare in an unfolded state.

The hinge module may further include a second detent structure 400 d.The second detent structure may include a third plate coupling part410_2 that has the same structure as the first plate coupling part andthat is connected to the second housing structure and a fourth platecoupling part 420_2 that has the same structure as the second platecoupling part and that is connected to the first housing structure.

The first plate coupling part may further include a bridge 412 thatextends from the first coupling body, and the support portions mayinclude a first support portion 413 that extends from the bridge in afirst direction and a second support portion 414 that extends from thebridge in a second direction.

An end of the first support portion may be formed to be bent with apredetermined curvature in the first direction, and an end of the secondsupport portion may be bent with a predetermined curvature in the seconddirection.

Each of the mounting parts may include at least portion of a column 432c that is mounted on one end of the elastic member, a protrusion 432 athat extends from the column and has at least a portion mounted on themounting area, and a flange 432 b that is disposed between the columnand the protrusion and that prevents the mounting part from beingseparated from the fixing hole.

At least a partial area of the protrusion opposite the mounting area maybe formed in a cam or ridge shape.

The mounting area may be formed in the shape of a raised part protrudingfrom the support portion.

At least a partial area of the protrusion opposite the mounting area maybe formed in a ball shape.

The mounting area may be formed in the shape of a hole formed throughthe front and the back of the support portion.

The mounting area may be formed in a recess shape in which at least aportion of a surface of the support portion is formed with a step.

A hinge module 200 to which a first housing structure 121 and a secondhousing structure 122 are connected to perform hinge motion may includea hinge housing 150, at least portion of a plurality of detentstructures 400 a, 400 b, 400 c, and 400 d that are mounted in the hingehousing and that provide a feeling of detent in a specified angle rangein the hinge motion of the first housing structure and the secondhousing structure, at least portion of a first hinge structure 200 a andat least portion of a second hinge structure 200 b that are mounted inthe hinge housing and are driven independently of each other, in whicheach of the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure isindependently connected with the first housing structure and the secondhousing structure, and at least portion of a third hinge structure 300that is mounted in the hinge housing and is connected with the firsthousing structure and the second housing structure and that includes aninterlocking gear.

The first hinge structure may be disposed at one edge of the hingehousing, and the second hinge structure may be disposed at an oppositeedge of the hinge housing.

The third hinge structure may be disposed between the first hingestructure and the second hinge structure.

At least one of the plurality of detent structures may be disposedbetween the first hinge structure and the third hinge structure, and atleast one remaining detent structure may be disposed between the thirdhinge structure and the second hinge structure.

A second detent structure adjacent to the first detent structure amongthe plurality of detent structures may include a third plate couplingpart that has the same structure as the first plate coupling part andthat is connected to the second housing structure and a fourth platecoupling part that has the same structure as the second plate couplingpart and that is connected to the first housing structure.

The first hinge structure or the second hinge structure may include acenter bracket 1541, a first hinge bracket 1521 that is connected withthe first housing structure and that rotates through a specified anglein a first direction, and a second hinge bracket 1522 that is connectedto the second housing structure and that rotates through a specifiedangle in an opposite direction to the first direction. The first hingebracket and the second hinge bracket may be disposed to be drivenindependently of each other.

The third hinge structure may include a first bracket 1421 that isconnected to the first housing structure, a second bracket 1422 that isconnected to the second housing structure, and a plurality of gears 43and 44 that are disposed in relation to gear interlocking between thefirst bracket and the second bracket.

Each component (e.g., a module or a program) according to variousembodiments may be composed of single entity or a plurality of entities,some of the above-described sub-components may be omitted, or othersub-components may be further included in various embodiments.Additionally or alternatively, after being integrated in one entity,some components (e.g., modules or programs) may identically or similarlyperform the function executed by each corresponding component beforeintegration. According to various embodiments, operations executed bymodules, program, or other components may be executed by a successivemethod, a parallel method, a repeated method, or a heuristic method, orat least one part of operations may be executed in different sequencesor omitted. Alternatively, other operations may be added.

According to the various embodiments, the hinge module including thedetent structure and the foldable electronic device including the hingemodule enable the housing structures to be more stably coupled to thehinge module.

Furthermore, according to the various embodiments, the hinge moduleincluding the detent structure and the foldable electronic deviceincluding the hinge module may provide a stable and firm feeling ofdetent to a user.

In addition, according to the various embodiments, the hinge moduleincluding the detent structure and the foldable electronic deviceincluding the hinge module enable a user to rapidly and easily implementa desired specific mounting angle.

While the disclosure has been particularly shown and described withreference to certain embodiments thereof, it will be understood by thoseof ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and detailsmay be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of thedisclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device comprising: a foldablehousing including: a hinge structure, a first housing structureconnected to the hinge structure, the first housing structure includinga first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, asecond housing structure connected to the hinge structure, the secondhousing structure including a third surface and a fourth surfaceopposite to the third surface, and a hinge housing, wherein the firsthousing structure is foldable about the hinge structure with the secondhousing structure, wherein in a folded state, the first surface facesthe third surface, and in an unfolded state, the first surface and thethird surface face the same direction, and wherein between the foldedstate and the unfolded state, the first housing structure is rotatableabout a first axis extending along the hinge structure, and the secondhousing structure is rotatable about a second axis parallel to the firstaxis; a flexible display including a first area disposed on the firsthousing structure and a second area disposed on the second housingstructure, wherein the first area and the second area form the firstsurface and the third surface; and a first detent structure disposed inthe hinge housing, wherein the first detent structure includes: a firstmember connected to the first housing structure, the first memberincluding a first through-hole and a second through-hole that arealigned along a third axis that is spaced apart from and parallel to thefirst axis and the second axis, a second member connected with thesecond housing structure and formed to receive part of the first memberin the unfolded state, the second member including a first recess or afirst opening configured to face the first through-hole and a secondrecess or a second opening configured to face the second through-hole, afirst ball coupled with the first through-hole and disposed between thefirst through-hole and the first recess or the first opening in theunfolded state, a second ball coupled with the second through-hole anddisposed between the second through-hole and the second recess or thesecond opening in the unfolded state, and a first elastic member locatedin the first member between the first ball and the second ball andconfigured to press the first ball and the second ball outward.
 2. Theelectronic device of claim 1, further comprising a second detentstructure located in the hinge housing, wherein the second detentstructure includes: a third member connected to the second housingstructure, the third member including a third through-hole and a fourththrough-hole that are aligned along a fourth axis that is spaced apartfrom and parallel to the first axis, the second axis, and the third axisin the folded state, a fourth member connected with the first housingstructure and formed to receive part of the third member in the unfoldedstate, the fourth member including a third recess or a third openingconfigured to face the third through-hole, and the fourth member furtherincluding a fourth recess or a fourth opening configured to face thefourth through-hole, a third ball coupled with the third through-holeand disposed between the third through-hole and the third recess or thethird opening in the unfolded state, a fourth ball coupled with thefourth through-hole and disposed between the fourth through-hole and thefourth recess or the fourth opening in the unfolded state, and a secondelastic member located in the third member between the third ball andthe fourth ball and configured to press the third ball and the fourthball outward.
 3. A hinge module to which a first housing structure and asecond housing structure are connected to perform a hinge motion, thehinge module comprising: a hinge housing; and a first detent structure,at least a portion of the first detent structure mounted in the hingehousing, wherein the first detent structure includes: a first platecoupling part connected with the first housing structure, and a secondplate coupling part connected with the second housing structure, whereinthe first plate coupling part includes: a first coupling body, andsupport portions connected with the first coupling body and spaced apartfrom each other by a predetermined distance, the support portions havingmounting areas formed in predetermined positions, and wherein the secondplate coupling part includes: a second coupling body, a mounting bodyconnected to the second coupling body, fixing holes formed on oppositesides of the mounting body, mounting parts mounted in the fixing holes,and an elastic member mounted in the mounting body and configured topress the mounting parts toward the mounting areas when the firsthousing structure and the second housing structure are in an unfoldedstate.
 4. The hinge module of claim 3, further comprising a seconddetent structure, wherein the second detent structure includes: a thirdplate coupling part having the same structure as the first platecoupling part, the third plate coupling part being connected to thesecond housing structure, and a fourth plate coupling part having thesame structure as the second plate coupling part, the fourth platecoupling part being connected to the first housing structure.
 5. Thehinge module of claim 3, wherein the first plate coupling part furtherincludes a bridge extending from the first coupling body, and whereinthe support portions include a first support portion extending from thebridge in a first direction and a second support portion extending fromthe bridge in a second direction.
 6. The hinge module of claim 5,wherein an end of the first support portion is formed to be bent with afirst predetermined curvature in the first direction, and wherein an endof the second support portion is formed to be bent with a secondpredetermined curvature in the second direction.
 7. The hinge module ofclaim 3, wherein each of the mounting parts includes: a column mountedon one end of the elastic member; a protrusion extending from the columnand having at least a portion mounted on the mounting area; and a flangedisposed between the column and the protrusion and configured to preventthe mounting part from separating from the fixing hole.
 8. The hingemodule of claim 7, wherein at least a partial area of the protrusionopposite to the mounting area is formed in a cam or ridge shape.
 9. Thehinge module of claim 8, wherein the mounting area is formed in theshape of a raised part protruding from at least one of the supportportions.
 10. The hinge module of claim 7, wherein at least a partialarea of the protrusion opposite to the mounting area is formed in a ballshape.
 11. The hinge module of claim 10, wherein the mounting area isformed in a shape of a hole formed through a front and a back of thesupport portion.
 12. The hinge module of claim 10, wherein the mountingarea is formed in a recess shape in which at least a portion of asurface of the support portion is formed with a step.
 13. A hinge moduleto which a first housing structure and a second housing structure areconnected to perform a hinge motion, the hinge module comprising: ahinge housing; a plurality of detent structures mounted in the hingehousing and configured to provide a feeling of detent to a user in aspecified angle range in the hinge motion of the first housing structureand the second housing structure; a first hinge structure and a secondhinge structure mounted in the hinge housing and driven independently ofeach other, wherein each of the first hinge structure and the secondhinge structure is independently connected with the first housingstructure and the second housing structure; and a third hinge structuremounted in the hinge housing and connected with the first housingstructure and the second housing structure, the third hinge structureincluding an interlocking gear.
 14. The hinge module of claim 13,wherein the first hinge structure is disposed at one edge of the hingehousing, wherein the second hinge structure is disposed at an oppositeedge of the hinge housing, wherein the third hinge structure is disposedbetween the first hinge structure and the second hinge structure,wherein at least one of the plurality of detent structures is disposedbetween the first hinge structure and the third hinge structure, andwherein at least one remaining detent structure is disposed between thethird hinge structure and the second hinge structure.
 15. The hingemodule of claim 13, wherein a first detent structure of the plurality ofdetent structures includes: a first plate coupling part connected withthe first housing structure; and a second plate coupling part connectedwith the second housing structure, wherein the first plate coupling partincludes: a first coupling body, and support portions connected with thefirst coupling body and spaced apart from each other by a predetermineddistance, the support portions having mounting areas formed inpredetermined positions, and wherein the second plate coupling partincludes: a second coupling body, a mounting body connected to thesecond coupling body, fixing holes formed on opposite sides of themounting body, mounting parts mounted in the fixing holes, and anelastic member mounted in the mounting body and configured to press themounting parts toward the mounting areas when the first housingstructure and the second housing structure are in an unfolded state. 16.The hinge module of claim 15, wherein a second detent structure adjacentto the first detent structure among the plurality of detent structuresincludes: a third plate coupling part having the same structure as thefirst plate coupling part, the third plate coupling part being connectedto the second housing structure; and a fourth plate coupling part havingthe same structure as the second plate coupling part, the fourth platecoupling part being connected to the first housing structure.
 17. Thehinge module of claim 13, wherein the first hinge structure or thesecond hinge structure includes: a center bracket; a first hinge bracketconnected with the first housing structure and configured to rotate morethan a first specified angle in a first direction; and a second hingebracket connected to the second housing structure and configured torotate more than a second specified angle in an opposite direction tothe first direction, wherein the first hinge bracket and the secondhinge bracket are disposed to be driven independently of each other. 18.The hinge module of claim 13, wherein the third hinge structureincludes: a first bracket connected to the first housing structure; asecond bracket connected to the second housing structure; and aplurality of gears disposed to interlock the first bracket and thesecond bracket.
 19. The hinge module of claim 15, further comprisingshock-absorbing members disposed between the fixing holes and themounting parts, respectively.
 20. The hinge module of claim 19, whereinthe shock-absorbing members include at least one ring mounted on themounting parts, or wherein the shock-absorbing members include membersformed to at least partially surround balls protruding outside thefixing holes.